International Association of Assistance Dog PartnersA non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.

Partners ForumVolume 23 Number 1 and 2 Spring/Fall 2017

Features You Shouldn’t Miss Bottleneck Analysis A Tail To Tell Updated Benefits Matrix Helene’s Story Continued New MUFFs Benefit

Thank You Nutramax Laboratories for sponsoring this newsletter and VCP Support!

IAADP Prepares For Its 25th Anniversary CelebrationLooking Forward - Building an IAADP Future

The approaching 25th Anniversary of IAADPs founding in 1993-1994 brought focus to this organization’s goals and policy efforts. In August 2017, a strategic planning process was started by the Board of Directors. Laura Rose prepared and facilitated an in-depth presentation featuring 187 slides documenting the evolution of the organization, the assistance dog movement, plus global human and canine population trends, disability demographics, research, stakeholder analyses, charitable giving and resources. A few of the contextual hot topics covered were fake assistance dogs, animal law, training standards, nutrition, advances in candidate selection and canine health, influencing social norms for access, equity and inclusion, along with the social model of disability. Here are some highlights from the strategic planning and we hope you will take the opportunity to provide input into our policies, planning, and activities of IAADP going forward and preparing to celebrate the 25-year legacy of our founders.

IAADP - An overview of people and assistance dog trendsAssistance dogs such as guide dogs, mobility dogs, hearing dogs, alert

dogs and psychiatric service dogs provide assistance to individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities. The training and ability of these dogs and their partners continue to be refined and expanded, with new tasks being found every day for these dogs in navigating access through life’s barriers without which it would be far more difficult given health needs and related issues.

One interesting development is the increased recognition and knowledge of how dogs can be trained to respond quickly when changes occur in their handler’s body chemistry

Continued on page 22

We need your input!IAADP wants your input and more! Please help IAADP to prioritize and plan

the direction and emphasis as the organization moves into the future. Turn to page 15 for a short response form for you to share the areas of IAADP that are most meaningful to you.

Editor’s LetterDear Readers:First, we wish to extend a warm and belated welcome to this quadruple issue

of Partners Forum for 2017. Inside you will learn about behind-the-scenes work taking place inside this organization gearing up for its 25th Anniversary. IAADP was founded in 1993 and incorporated in 1994 by passionate people dedicated to advancing the Assistance Dog Movement around the globe. Our global community must continue to bring insight and wisdom from the

voice of experience into negotiations of evolving public policy, legislation, enforcement, case law and professional practice lest we lose the ground gained for hard-won access rights and inclusion. We must also bring vision and creative problem-solving to advance our progress towards a better experience and future for generations going forward. Pooling our talents and resources for effective grassroots advocacy, public outreach and education of policy makers, we can achieve breakthroughs at every level. From the local shops and restaurants, to the largest public agencies and corporate employers, from inside the laboratories of veterinary care medicine, to international broadcast communication channels, we can reach a significant impact with intention at each and every encounter. It has required all hands on deck for this all-volunteer organization of

assistance dog partners with various disabilities to work through the multiple tasks related to transitioning after the sudden loss of IAADPs beloved Chair and Editor of Partners Forum, Joan Froling. In this transition, IAADP has increasingly exercised its voice communicating through social media regarding vital matters such as proposed Canadian Standards, HR620 (ADA Education and Reform Act in the USA), and resources during the stream of natural disasters that unfolded in the late summer and after in 2017. IAADP conducted a 2-day strategic planning meeting and invites your input in

preparation of celebrating its upcoming 25th Anniversary. Before planning another conference there are several priorities to address such as overhauling and updating the website. We have initiated a team working on that specific task and if you would like to express interest, please let us know by emailing: volunteer@iaadp.org. Thank you to all who responded to the request for volunteers. Our team has

been working on infrastructure development to facilitate volunteer management, though there have been delays due to special circumstances (i.e. lost loved ones, etc.). After onboarding new talent, we are eager to move ahead and will

be reaching out more this coming year. Our team continues to respond to thousands of inquiries via phone, email, and social media on a wide range of issues.It was brought to our attention in late 2017 that an article appearing in

the issue of Partners Forum published in Spring 2013 contained an inaccurate legal term, “indictment” on page 14 in the 3rd paragraph. Rather, the term “submission” (i.e. petition) more accurately applies.We appreciate and welcome feedback. Email editor@iaadp.org

Laura Rose

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this communication, or anything linking to or from this communication, is intended to substitute for legal, medical, veterinary, or other professional advice of any kind from qualified professionals. Nothing in this communication, or anything linking to or from this communication, is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or illness; nor has any statement been evaluated by the FDA (USA Federal Agency, Food and Drug Administration) or other public agency. You are hereby notified and advised to seek counsel from qualified professionals at your own risk and expense. IAADP accepts no liability of any kind. IAADP makes no guarantee of accuracy or fitness of purpose. PRIVACY STATEMENT: IAADP does not share information with third parties without permission except what is required by law and what is necessary for administrative purposes including but not limited to processing payments, mailing materials, managing membership, etc.

Appreciation Letters for IAADP Sponsors

Our heartfelt thanks to Nutramax Laboratoriesfor sponsoring this issue of Partners Forum

We also thank Nutramax for sponsorship of IAADPs Veterinary Care Partnership (VCP) grant program which provides timely support to eligible Assistance Dog Partner Teams. Our gratitude extends to Nutramax from the many teams benefitting from donation of products, as well.Here are a few recent thankyou letters from IAADP members:

My name is Leslie Wohlfeld and service dog Lizzy have been a member of IAADP for over 5 yrs now. I owe you all a big Thank You. Long overdue Thank You. Pardon our delay in sending our appreciation for the Dasuquin soft chews. We appreciate this benefit as a member of IAADP. Lizzy sure does enjoy her new Dasuquin soft chews.Once again we Thank you for all you do for us service/guide dog teams.Sincerely,Leslie Wohlfeld and LizzySSGT, RETUSARCombat Disabled Veteran, Afghanistan 2003

I just would like to take a moment to thank the IAADP for all the help we have received from The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. Thanks for a grant from IAADP my service dog received allergy treatment. Because of this she is doing so much better. She is happier more energetic. I just want to thank you all so much for all you do.SincerelyJean Euteneuer and Lexie

Good Day Nutramax

Dear Representatives of Nutramax,I’d like to thank you for your generous contribution of products for service

dogs. I’ve been a member of IAADP for several years, currently working with my eighth guide dog. During the time that I’ve belonged to IAADP, I’ve been able to give my dogs Welactin and Dasuquin, two important supplements, that assist with their health. Actually, my brother, who also has a Seeing Eye Dog and is a member of IAADP, is quite thankful for your generosity.Best Wishes,Doug Hall

IAADP extends appreciation to our other donors and community partners who offer special benefits and discounts to persons with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs. The impact is significant.

I’d like to express my gratitude to Bayer for the com-pany’s generosity by contributing K9 Advantix II to members of IAADP. It is a huge monetary savings for me, as well as, an important preventative for Watson, my current Seeing Eye Dog, the eighth in the past 45 years. I’d also like to express my appreciation to IAADP, both for the superb benefits

for members and the association’s great advocacy on behalf of service animals and their partners.Thank you for being there!D. Hall

I hope all is well with you and everyone. I am contacting you to request Advantix for my precious Service Dog Katrina. She is approximately 60 pounds and a Labra-doodle. We remain most grateful for IAADP all your work, and for this benefit in particular… Once again thank you to you all staff, and all sponsors.In Humble Appreciation,Barb and Katrina Forgione

We hope you will take the opportunity to send notes of appreciation to our sponsors and donors – you can see an updated list starting on page 29. Please forward a copy to our membership coordinator (mc.iaadp@gmail.com) and/or editor (editor@iaadp.org).

IAADPs USA National Helpline Number is now

541-972-3647Remembering the helpline number above may be easier if you consider a mnemonic memory aid constructed with the combination of letters and numbers which often accompany telephone dial pads with English letters below digits 2 through 9 as follows:2 (ABC) ; 3 (DEF) ; 4 (GHI) ; 5 (JKL) ; 6 (MNO) ; 7 (PRS) ; 8 (TUV) ; 9 (WYZ).

1 and 0 have no associated letters. Q & X have no associated numbers. Looking at the letters corresponding to 541-972-3647 we can select J I 1 - W R A - D O G S which spelled out could be:

Just Imagine 1 World Respecting Assistance D O G S

Your Chance to Raise Funds for IAADPBy Toni Ann Eames

It’s so simple! Every time you shop at Save Mart, Food Maxx, Lucky’s or S-Mart Supermarkets, you can present your IAADP SHARES cards and a percentage of your purchases goes into our treasury. These grocery stores are primarily located in California and Nevada, but, even if you live in another state, you can still help. You may have friends or relatives living in these states who shop in the designated stores. Please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Toni Eames, 3376 N. Wishon Ave., Fresno, CA 93704 with a note requesting one or more cards. I have given cards to my Lions Club, veterinary office and to all my friends and readers.I carry my SHARES card next to my credit card and show it to the check

out clerk when I pay for my purchases. A certain percentage of your bill automatically is credited to IAADP and you remain anonymous. To date through the use of the SHARES card, IAADP benefited by several hundred dollars. We could do better if you would do more! If you’ve lost your card or forgotten to use it, please remember us in 2018!Editor comment: Kroger, Safeway and other retailers have options for

customers and employees to select a charity of choice for giving programs like “Community Rewards,” “Community Gift Card,” and “Neighbor to Neighbor.” Please consider selecting IAADP and take the steps to let your retailers know before your next purchase. Every bit adds up to support this important mission! IAADP is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit cross-disability organization and our EIN# is 38-3205336.

Assistance Dog Loss CommitteeAre you grieving the loss or impending retirement of your assistance dog?

Would you like to participate in our monthly call by phone with others in the same situation? Many have found that it helps to share their feelings with those experiencing similar issues. If you are interested, please email ADLC@iaadp.org and one of our

support call facilitators will be in touch to see if it’s right for you. Since there are limited spots in each monthly call, those who contact us first will be given priority. If you have been through the loss of an assistance dog and would like to

consider helping the committee, please get in touch at ADLC@iaadp.org

Figurehead of the Assistance Dog Movement PassesGeorge Newns, First President of Dogs for the Disabled charity in the United Kingdom

D R LaneMSc FRCVS 1 Trinity Court Trinity Lane York YO1 6EY 12 January 2017

The death of George Newns in December 2016 aged 101 years marks the passing of another landmark in the assistance dog movement. His daughter, Frances Hay, who had lost a leg by a high amputation after bone cancer was diagnosed whilst in Australia, had the idea in England of using her own dog to help her balance as she walked. In 1986 she wanted to start a charity in England so that other people with disabilities could have dogs trained to assist them, focusing on wheelchair users many of whom had access problems. Her father George was instrumental in finding the finance and applying to get the charity ‘Dogs for the Disabled’ registered as a national organisation for assistance dog training in the United Kingdom. After Frances’ sudden death in 1990, George continued on the board of trustees giving valuable advice based on his experiences working with Government organisations which lead to improved access for dogs to enter food stores, public buildings and social housing apartments. After his retirement George became the first President of Dogs for The Disabled and remained as a figurehead until he had almost reached his 102nd year. This charity filled a need to train dogs for those with disabilities other than blind and deaf which already had established training facilities in England. His funeral in Birmingham was attended by members of the recently renamed charity Dogs for Good amongst his many friends who knew of the work with service dogs.

IAADPs International Helpline Numberis still

248-693-9911When calls come in to one of these numbers, IAADPs Information and

Advocacy Team of volunteers will attempt to respond within 10 business days or less, though there may be exceptions due to unforeseen circumstances where it takes longer. Questions can also be posted to our Social Media Team via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/IAADP.

Air Travel on United Kingdom Carriers - A Brief UpdateIAADP has been contacted through social media channels to advocate for

assistance dog partners access to air travel with their assistance dogs in the cabins (rather than cargo) of air carriers in the UK - in particular, owner-trained assistance dogs and dogs trained by professionals or organizations other than those trained by the two named organizations: ADUK (Assistance Dog United Kingdom) coalition and/or IGDF (International Guide Dog Federation). Previous work was documented by Joan Froling in her article on the IAADP

website. To evolve our knowledge and advocacy focus for the work on this issue we gathered information by reviewing current literature along with discussion and testimony among concerned assistance dog partners. We share several highlights from our findings thus far.The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued Safety Notice Number SN-

2017/005 on June 29, 2017 regarding the Carriage of Assistance Dogs in the Aircraft Cabin, which states “Regulation (EC) No. 1107/226 ANNEX II requires the carriage of recognised assistance dogs in the cabin; however it does not define what is meant by ‘recognised’ assistance dogs.” It goes on to mention “such organizations include, but are not limited to, Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and/or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).” Written evidence submitted by ADUK in 2015, referenced in a report by the House of Commons in 2016 regarding the Equality Act 2010, proposed the solution to a number of ills – such as vulnerable families and individuals with disabilities being taken advantage of by high fees for inadequately trained assistance dogs by unethical persons – would be requiring assistance dogs to be trained and tested through IGDF or ADUK. “As far as we know, ADI and IGDF are the only recognised international standards and qualification bodies for assistance dogs.” At this time, according to the websites of these two organizations, there are only 8 member organizations and membership requires charity/nonprofit status and being a candidate of ADI or applicant of IGDF if not a full member of one or the other):1. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People2. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association3. Canine Partners4. Dog A.I.D.5. Medical Detection Dogs6. Dogs for Good7. Support Dogs UK8. The Seeing Dogs AllianceThe total number of assistance dog teams “graduating” from these

“recognised” organizations combined still falls greatly short of the estimated need and desire for assistance dogs in the UK. According to a Change.org petition by Alison Skillin “ADUK programs that provide Assistance Dogs in the UK are so overwhelmed that it can take up to six years for a dog. Most of the lists are closed.” Also noteworthy, there are certain health conditions and/or categories of assistance dogs for which there is not an organization within ADUK specifically training, such as psychiatric service dogs. With the advocacy of individuals and groups such as the UK Owner Trained Assistance/Service Dogs Campaign for Change, the word is getting out about these gaps affecting the lives of persons with disabilities and the need to preserve options for owner-trained and non-ADUK trained assistance dogs. Ongoing inclusive stakeholder participation and voice by assistance dog partners is a key ingredient for improved outcomes.

Link to the cached version of the UK Civil Aviation Authority Safety Notice Number S/N-2017/005: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:lPO3uhadpJ8J:https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/SafetyNotice2017005.pdf+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Link to ADUK website: http://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/about/

Link to IGDF website: https://www.igdf.org.uk/

Link to the report of the House of Commons Select Committee Report on the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Report of Session 2015-16, The Equality Act 2010: The Impact on Disabled People. http://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/House-of-Lords-Select-Committee-Report.pdf

Link to Written Evidence (EQD0081) submitted by ADUK 09/03/2015 referenced in the report above: http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/equality-act-2010-and-disability-committee/ equality-act-2010-and-disability/written/20697.html

Link to the Change.org Petition by Alison Skillin: https://www.change.org/p/speak-out-for-uk-assistance-dogs

Link to the UK Owner Trained Assistance/Service Dogs Campaign for Change website: http://assistancedoglaw.co.uk

Link to Lucy Watts’ Blog Article “Assistance Dogs and Access Refusals - Why Isn’t the Law Being Enforced?” published 2/20/2017 at: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/lucy-watts-mbe/assistance-dogs-and-acces_b_14664496.html

Natural and Manmade Disasters -Preparation, Intervention & PostventionIn 2017 millions of people were affected by natural and man-made disasters

around the world. Our condolences continue for those suffering in the midst of disasters such

as Hurricane Harvey, the ongoing wildfires in Oregon, Montana and other states in Northwestern USA, as well as the monsoon floods in South Asia. It is encouraging to see people reaching out to help one another and one of the great hopes is that lessons learned from previous events will be helpful to better inform and mobilize response across the globe. September has been named Disaster Recovery Month as an observance to focus on this area of ongoing need. Assistance dog partners have needs and opportunities at every stage of

disaster preparedness and recovery. Having backup copies of up-to-date veterinary records including Microchip ID tag and vaccinations in waterproof/fireproof storage onsite and offsite is one measure of prevention. Ensuring your contact information is up-to-date with the record keepers of Microchip ID tag companies is another important step to not delay. When it comes to providing care for assistance dogs in the aftermath of

disasters or emergencies, there are some additional resources and information we wanted to share.

***

USA FDA Website offering links and a list of shelters accepting animals in Texas: https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/ucm047099.htm

***Zello is a downloadable application for iPHONE and ANDROID smartphones with push-to-talk features that have been helpful for some victims. Learn more at: https://zello.com/

***Portlight Strategies and the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies

is a charity effort working hard to address needs for persons with disabilities. They set up a toll-free number:

Hurricane Harvey Disability Hotline1-800-626-4959

This helps people with disabilities and elderly people get to safety, provide for immediate needs for durable medical equipment and other assistive technology, and problem-solve other disability accessibility issues.You can visit their online Hurricane Harvey Announcment web page at:

http://www.portlight.org/hurricane-harvey-announcement.html You can also visit their social media Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/PortlightStrategies/

***Pass It On Center (PIOC) partners with organizations serving individuals

with disabilities to respond to disasters by identifying needs, collecting and distributing gently-used assistive technology (AT), especially durable medical equipment (DME), which plays an important role in providing temporary devices to people with disabilities impacted by disasters that result in the loss of devices or create new needs. PIOC works with AT Act Programs and their nonprofit affiliates in other states and territories to provide safe, appropriate interim devices until a new, permanent device becomes available. PIOC is currently working with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, a nationwide network of organizations, to respond to the needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. PIOC welcomes the support of all organizations who would like to participate

in their efforts and can be reached by email at: predmon6@gatech.edu Find more info and links on their website and social media Facebook page at:

http://pioc.gatech.edu/wiki/Hurricane_Harvey_2017 and https://www.facebook.com/passitoncenter Daily coordinating calls will continue at 5pm EST (Eastern time USA) at the

phone number 641-715-3580 with the access code pin of 996329#.

***Excerpt(s) from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

The National Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 confidential, bilingual emotional support to anyone in the USA, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands who is experiencing distress or other mental health concerns related to disasters, including long term recovery. The toll free phone number is 1-800-985-5990. When you call or text, trained crisis counselors from a network of call

centers in the United States will listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment. These counselors provide:

Crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster

Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families

Tips for healthy coping Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and

support

There is no need to give any identifying information when you contact the Disaster Distress Helpline. The counselor may ask you for some basic information at the end of the call, but these questions are optional to help inform service quality. This crisis support service is for anyone experiencing emotional distress

related to disasters such as: Tornadoes and Severe Storms Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Floods Wildfires Earthquakes Drought Incidents of Mass Violence

The Disaster Distress Helpline also answers calls and texts related to infectious disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak, incidents of community unrest, and other traumatic events.The impact of crises may affect people in different ways. Learn how to

recognize the warning signs and risk factors for emotional distress related to natural and human-caused disasters.The Disaster Distress Helpline is open to everyone. This includes survivors

of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual

support. Callers to the hotline can also connect with counselors in over 100 other languages via 3rd-party interpretation services; to connect with a counselor in your primary language, simply indicate your preferred language to the responding counselor and she/he will connect to a live interpreter (interpretation in less commonly-spoken languages may require calling back at an appointed time).To connect by SMS text from the 50 states to connect with a live crisis

counselor, text “TalkWithUs” for English or “Hablanos” for Spanish to 66746. Spanish-speakers from Puerto Rico can text “Hablanos” to 1-787-339-2663. Standard text and data message rates will apply when texting from mobile phones. International text and data rates may apply from within U.S.

territories and free association nations.The Disaster Distress Helpline’s TTY number 1-800-846-8517 is available 24/7

to deaf and hard of hearing individuals, who can also utilize the texting options or their preferred Relay service (including 7-1-1) to connect with the main DDH hotline 1-800-985-5990, 24/7.For more information online including brochures, wallet cards and much more,

visit the link: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helplineIn the United States, 211 is another resource you can call if it’s available

in your area for information about disaster-related evacuations, shelters, food and clothing distribution, volunteer opportunities, and other resources and referrals. Or visit the national 211 Call Center Search website link: http://www.211search.org/ to find the 211 information and referral center nearest you.

***

Helene Shares Flood Response Tips for Assistance Dogs“Remember, the skin is the largest organ!”One of our members, volunteers, and newsletter contributors, Helene, has

almost 40 years’ experience plus specialized training in disaster and emergency response, relief and preparedness. Helene says one of the most important things to do after a flood once you and your canine partner reach safety at higher ground and/or secure shelter is to do a complete visual and tactile (hands-on) inspection for any scratches, cuts, wounds, and other signs of distress. If you have trouble with vision try to get help from someone who can assist you with this step. Unfortunately, the flood waters can be highly contaminated with everything from sewage, chemical spills, petroleum, parasites, etc. Hopefully you can get your dog seen by a veterinarian at the earliest opportunity to address any of these issues. Next, Helene urges getting your canine partner a complete bath, preferably first with something like liquid Dawn dish soap (which has been used with animals exposed to oils spills in the ocean) all over, rinse, and then another wash/rinse with shampoo and/or conditioner for dogs. She reminds us the skin is the largest organ and it is absorbent. She discourages separation of any kind between an assistance dog and the owner/partner especially at a time like this; avoid if possible kenneling with other dogs, but try to find a quiet space to rest and recuperate. One resource she strongly recommends is the AVMAs (American Veterinary Medical Association) website and handouts regarding saving animals in disaster.AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Pets and Disasters Web Page

Link: https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/Pets-and-Disasters.aspxAVMA Booklet “Saving the Whole Family” comes in English and Spanish, 28 page

PDF format (requires free viewer, Adobe Acrobat Reader to open) https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdf or https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_Spanish.pdf

Helene DeMartinez has forty years of experience in disaster preparedness and most recently has been training on disaster psychology. She also specializes in bereavement for animal companion loss.

***The American Kennel Club and American Humane have ongoing campaigns and

helpful information regarding being prepared in case of a disaster. 

American Kennel Club – ReUniteDisasters and the unexpected can happen. Being prepared ahead of time is

essential during an emergency to be sure everyone, including your pets, are cared for.  Complete your Pet Emergency Planning Guide now, so if disaster strikes, you and your pet will be ready!Create an easily portable and waterproof tote/backpack with emergency

supplies and provisions that you can easily access from your home or grab-and-go if you need to evacuate.1. Food, Water and Meds: Fill waterproof containers with a week’s supply of

food and medications; remember drinking water, too!2. Necessary Supplies: Bowls, extra leashes, and col-lapsible carriers or

crates, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener, favorite toy or treats.3. Organize your pet’s information:

Photo of your pet and photo of you with your pet. A description of your pet. Proof of ownership.

Microchip number – verify your pet’s microchip enrollment with AKC Reunite at 1-800-252-7894.

Veterinarian contact information, along with your pet’s medical and/or insurance records.

Feeding schedule information.4.Easily readable map with potential evacuation routes highlighted.5.Blankets, flashlights and batteries.6.First Aid Kit:

Self-cling Bandage (bandage that stretches and sticks to itself but not to fur).

Muzzle or Strips of Cloth to Prevent Biting Absorbent Gauze Pads Adhesive Tape Antiseptic Wipes, Lotion, Powder or Spray Foil Emergency Blankets Cotton Balls and Swabs Gauze Rolls Hydrogen Peroxide Chemical Emergency Ice Pack Disposable Gloves Petroleum Jelly Scissors with Blunt Ends Sterile Non-stick Gauze Pads Sterile Saline Solution for Cleaning Wounds Tweezers

Review the materials in your emergency supply tote and all plans and preparations on a regular basis.

Check expiration dates on your emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries,

drinking water, blankets, non-perishable food items. Are your packed materials seasonally appropriate? Have planned evacuation routes changed due to construction or other

reasons? Is your pet’s microchip record current?Download a PDF of our Pet Emergency Planning Guide at:

http://www.akcreunite.org/petowner/petemergencyguide/

REPORT A LOST OR FOUND PET:  800-252-7894 or found@akcreunite.org

American Humane We know firsthand that preparedness can be the difference between life and

death for animals when disasters strike. That’s why, throughout the year, American Humane offers disaster preparedness training courses in local communities across the country.American Humane’s “Basic Animal Emergency Services” course – a comprehensive

two-day session on the fundamentals of disaster response – is included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) catalogue of approved courses on emergency preparedness.For more information please call 800-227-4645 or email

amberb@americanhumane.org

Book AnnouncementFollow Your Dog, a Story of Love and TrustPublished in 2017 By Ann M. Chiappetta, M.S. Independent Author, Consultant

and Guide Dog User

“With this book, I hope to take the reader on a journey of understanding: learning what it’s like to overcome the darker side of disability by walking the path of independence with a canine partner.”

- Ann M. Chiappetta, M.S.

This book is available for purchase in paperback and electronic formats at: http://www.dldbooks.com/annchiappetta/More of Ann’s writings are shared online at: http://www.thought-wheel.com

IAADP Responds to Proposed Canadian Standards

On May 16, 2017 IAADP held an Emergency Board Meeting in response to learning that the window of opportunity for public comments to the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) proposed Service Dog Standards (CAN/CGSB-193.1) would soon close. It was discovered that the proposed standards document had not been produced in an accessible format for persons with vision challenges. After various groups contacted the CGSB about this issue, the deadline for public comments was extended to July 14th, 2017 in late June and an

alternative version was made available upon request. IAADP issued a call to action alert to Canadian members regarding the tight

timeline for submitting comments to the CGSB. Our Canadian Vice President, Devon Wilkins, prepared a statement on behalf of IAADP including comments raised during the board meeting. IAADP also joined in signing the USAUSA letter drafted by Bradley W. Morris,

MA, CPhil, Director of Government Relations of Psychiatric Service Dog Partners and Jenine Stanley, Consumer Relations Coordinator for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogs. “USAUSA” is an informal collaborative group of diverse stakeholders and the acronym USAUSA stands for United Service Animal Users, Supporters, and Advocates. This compelling 9-page letter outlines concerns regarding the process, results, and potential impact of the proposed changes giving examples and references. The imposition of the limiting medical model of disability concept within the proposed standards and the resulting harms was among issues raised therein. The medical model of disability can be described as a framework of assumptions where professionals such as doctors have expertise and that patients are broken or diseased, in need of fixing. This can at the very least lead to an imbalanced power differential and primarily one-way interactions which misses the expertise, uniqueness, inclusion and acceptance of individuals. Requiring explicit declaration and documentation of diagnoses and treatment by professionals can greatly limit individual choice and voice. Broader social models afford more self-determination, informed decision-making, holistic care and shared ownership of outcomes by individuals while recognizing social determinants of health and external factors having significant influence. We encourage persons interested in advocacy to consider reviewing the USAUSA letter noting its content, sequence, format, language and style. Cultural differences regarding advocacy styles came to light in this matter.

Specific mention was made that public comments from Canadian organizations and individuals would be weighed above any from the USA.Additionally we have included links from the Hands Off Our Harnesses

coalition website featuring a six-part detailed accounting and response (40 pages long) prepared by James and Jean Menzies, titled “Canadian Service Dog Standard - A Failed Process.” Among concerns highlighted within their document, the membership composition of the CGSB marginalized assistance dog partners who would be most directly affected, holding only six seats (20%). Toni Ann Eames recommends at least reading chapter six if you are short on time.

Links: USAUSA Letter (June 7th, 2017) last viewed online at:

https://www.psychdogpartners.org/board-of-directors/board-activities/ advocacy/ca-natl-standard

Jim and Jean Menzies Analysis (September 2017) “Canadian Service Dog Standard - A Failed Process” last viewed online at: http://wp.me/P90jaK-32. Alternate text version available at: https://handsoffourharnesses.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/revised-canadian-service-dog-standard-a-failed-process-two-versions/

Hands Off Our Harnesses website featuring updates: https://handsoffourharnesses.wordpress.com/

Canadian Guide Dog blog featuring updates: https://canadianguidedog.wordpress.com/blog/

Comment on National Standard of Canada Draft Regarding Service Dog TeamsJune 7th, 2017United Service Animal Users, Supporters, and Advocates (USAUSA)

TO: Jennifer Jimenez Canadian General Standards Board Gatineau, Canada K1A 1G6 Jennifer.Jimenez@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

RE: Canadian General Standards Board draft service dog teams standard, from the Introduction and section 1 to section 9

Ms. Jimenez and the Committee on service dogs:In spite of our acronym (“USAUSA”), the undersigned groups all have

constituents who reside in or are prospective visitors to Canada. We each have a keen interest and stake in North American service dog laws, and we write to convey a prominent perspective on the May 2nd draft standard for service dog teams (hereafter, simply “draft”).The team you collected to put this extensive document together is to be

commended for the expense of so much thought and effort. However, we are concerned that its high-speed acceleration would shuttle us away from the fundamental goal of guaranteeing disability rights, for the sake of conforming government standards to a whole compendium derived from the inner workings of service dog programs.Quite simply, “and with much due respect”, the draft misses the forest for

the trees. The entire enterprise of constructing a detailed national service dog standard is misdirected. Creating such a draft so focuses contributors on imagining the preferred minutiae for some, that it misses alternative, simple approaches that can work best overall for everyone. We explain this below in seven short sections.§1. A national service dog standard’s implicationsWe understand that the draft, if adopted, is not meant to become law itself.

However, as the draft hints, it may be incorporated as a paradigm for laws and may easily become law by legislative or regulatory reference or reproduction.Understandably, legislators usually exist in a vacuum free of niche

knowledge about service dogs that is both expert and balanced. History has shown them to over-legislate when handed a document like the present draft. It would thus be naïve to pretend such a standard would not form a likely basis for provincial laws. We can simplify our examination by seeing whether the standard would be just and viable, “if it were made law.”§2. Full of controversy, not consensusNational Standards of Canada are developed through a multi-stakeholder

consensus-based consultative approach that seeks to avoid conflict of

interest, thereby, strengthening the credibility of the document. –from the draft IntroductionCanadian standards are supposed to be the children of stakeholder consensus.

The draft contains several controversial claims that are certainly not matters of consensus in the service dog community. The draft thus violates a touchstone criterion for national standards.While many may elect the draft’s norms for themselves, putting these beliefs

in a position to be forced onto others is an altogether different enterprise. A mere sampling of the questionable claims are in the following statement from the draft:In order to be an effective team member and to be safe to work in public,

the service dog shall be:[…]c) neutered;d) categorized according to size;e) an acceptable breed (see Appendix B, B. 3);[…]g) be outfitted with appropriate equipment and permanent identification.Such controversial (and sometimes, confusing) claims – especially when

fleshed out – are not proper subjects for national standardization. One need not dispute the claims oneself to recognize they are hot-button issues. According to the consensus criterion in the draft’s Introduction, this should disqualify much of the draft’s current content from being adopted on purely procedural grounds.One explanation for the apparent bias in the drafting committees approach

may be that the committee disproportionately represents service dog programs over others in the community. Programs must be inherently oriented toward rigid requirements that will fit many teams in a standardized and easily replicable way. In contrast, owner-trainers don’t seem to have much of a voice in the proceedings. Owner-trainers tend to have the best understanding of the value of a tailored approach to mitigating an individual’s disability through a bespoke service dog relationship.A tailored approach is not right for everyone, but it is optimal or

necessary for many teams due to the grim supply vs. demand situation for program dogs, the often enormous expense of program dogs, the nature of some individuals’ disabilities (for which owner-training is sometimes much better), etc. There is certainly not sufficient reason to disenfranchise this growing population by adopting a national standard that greatly favors a program-oriented approach. This would thrust many Canadians with disabilities out in the cold, divorced from the method of disability mitigation that would facilitate their integration in society. Programs and owner-training complement each other and peacefully coexist in a society that wants all of its members to thrive.§3. Learning first aid as a representative example of misguided mandatesThe draft’s relatively colossal content renders it difficult to examine each

claim in the draft without creating a massive tome. Instead, we will look more closely at just one as a representative example among the many prescriptions. The draft is full of similar claims that could be substituted.The draft advises that service dog users should be required to learn canine

first aid. No one disputes that it’s a good idea for dog owners to learn such skills. The top-level question is whether we want to give legislators justification for mandating that our whole population must do so.

Imagine an association of companies providing parenting and first aid classes were to propose that Canadian parents be required to learn first aid for children – or simply that they weren’t being good, standardized parents if they didn’t. Again, no one disputes that learning first aid is a good idea. However, setting it up so that this could be mandated misses the mark.Some parents are medical professionals with no need for additional first aid

education. Some non-professionals have learned the skills by other means. And some folks simply don’t have access to the companies’ first aid classes due to lengthy waitlists, high costs, or geography, but that doesn’t make them bad or incapable parents. They may even learn better on their own how to administer medical care to meet their children’s unique needs.Parents would rightly be in an uproar at a corporate proposal like this.

They might suspect that follow-up regulations would include some verification procedure for the first aid knowledge that could not be equitably and justly implemented, and that may well favor the corporations’ interests over the families’.Even program clients can support the idea that others should not be looked

down on if a program model doesn’t fit their unique situation. If parents want to earn a program’s “good parent” seal of approval because the program works for them, that is wonderful. It does not follow that the steps to earn that seal of approval are what’s best for all parents, nor especially that they should be codified in a national standard.Additionally, simply requiring a skill does not ensure that this skill will

always be practiced appropriately, unless a paternalistic, ongoing system of testing and competency is established. We do “not” recommend such a system, but that is along the draft’s trajectory. Considering this further, if such requirements morph into law, they are only effective with enforced consequences for non-compliance. If there are no actual consequences for failing these tests, the requirement is moot. Law enforcement professionals tend to have better priorities than enforcement of such specialized laws. So in practice, this kind of requirement creates undue burdens for those who respect the requirements and need a service dog, while not touching the lives of those without such respect.We may think of many little things that sound like a good idea at the time.

But we should not legally obligate our fellow peers to follow each of our utopian constructs. Unintended consequences abound.§4. Top-down/medical model disenfranchises the disadvantagedIt’s helpful to distinguish between the “process” and the “product” of

training. There are innumerable ways to responsibly create and use a service dog. Constraining the process using a top-down, medical-model type paradigm disenfranchises not only (and especially) owner-trainers, but also those many programs and trainers that do not subscribe to the one, “true” model.The medical model of disability extols that the right to disability

mitigation is not inherent to the individual, but that experts should grant disability-based accommodations as if they were privileges to be awarded to those deemed worthy. The draft employs this model. The medical model may be acceptable for a private organization to use in gleaning who receives “their own” services. However, it is inappropriate to require every citizen – those not using a program – to go through an external evaluation in order to take care of their disabilities themselves.Codifying the medical model in a national standard would cause undue

hardship to those with disabilities, and does not carry significant benefit.

It would require substantial expenditures of time, money, and precious effort that those with disabilities do not possess to squander, setting up unnecessary roadblocks to disability mitigation and community integration.Pushing this medical model on every service dog user by approving the draft

standard would display an ignorance of how disability rights should work in an advanced nation. Someone with an old war wound might want to buy a used wheelchair for use on high-pain days. The government should not make this kind of personal choice hard on the person through a baroque set of paternalistic requirements.Disability rights – including the right to use the assistive device of one’s

choice – are civil rights. We would be going backward if we were to extend an invitation for these rights to be invasively legislated away.§5. Detailed standard hobbles innovationThe drafting endeavor was likely embarked on with the best intentions, but

when we step back we can recognize that it would serve only short-term interests of some of the disability community. Service dog training and use currently evolve in various creatively branching ways across parties. Cementing a detailed national standard may unnecessarily and unintentionally choke the flow of improvements in service dog training and use, holding back Canadian organizations and everyone they impact.The draft’s details do not serve the interests of owner-trainers or non-

partisan trainers/programs. Independent trainers and service dog users should remain empowered to tailor their training to the unique strengths and needs of each team or training system environment. Beyond that, though, the programs would be tying their own hands.What happens when a program sees that the current standard has some flaws in

practice? When the program wants to strategically reevaluate and regularly make adjustments to their training system every few years to benefit the dogs and users?This would be forbidden if the draft were adopted as complex laws, and the

program would be out of compliance if it were to act in the best interest of its teams. This is not a dilemma any trainer should have to face: we should not encourage laws – or even national standards – to be so overwrought that they may yoke posterity with the barbarism of their forebears. The more detail with which we constrain ourselves, the less room we give ourselves to breathe.§6. The illusion of more rules equal more safetySince ADI, PSDP, and others already have public, freely available standards,

we are faced with questions about this enterprise. Who gains what by standardizing one detailed perspective, and what would we lose?The explicit aims of all the draft’s machinations are to produce service dog

teams in which a disability is mitigated and through which the public is kept safe. We hope we have made clear that a cookie-cutter approach harms those deserving folks who don’t fit the mold of the fabricators.Further, we contend that the second aim of public safety is significantly

increased “only in theory” by an overly-detailed standard. We have seen localities try to legislate away danger and fraud, and adding more laws of this type generally causes more harm than good. Those who are either legally ignorant or perennially scofflaws tend to remain insulated against these changes. Meanwhile, the responsible and law-abiding square pegs discover they’re out of luck when confronted with a gauntlet of round holes.Yes, we support public safety through effective means, which can target

actual disruption rather than pre-crime. However, there is no one, true

program with a panacea for everyone’s needs – we cannot erect such an intricate standard as if it were a universal solution. This would wrongly elevate otherwise useful arcana in a way that both hobbles innovation and disenfranchises an already disadvantaged population.§7. An alternative approachWhat could we do instead? Overall, focus on the product of training, not the

process. If you are adamant about including so many nitty-gritty details, explicitly include them strictly as examples. The draft merely highlights one set of approaches that should “never” be codified in law because it could not possibly serve the unimaginably diverse needs of Canada’s current or future disability populations.A better balance between disability rights and other public interests can be

struck by a much less ambitious approach. US Regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are a highly serviceable example that is minimalistic by comparison. We offer this only as an example of laws that honor the view that disability rights are civil rights.Please prioritize helping people with disabilities, versus a short-term win

in the standards game with the current draft. Wisely step back and compassionately consider the big picture. Your actions can have a major impact, positive or negative, on the barriers and opportunities along the path for countless people with disabilities in the future.Thank you for giving our comment your consideration; it is not too late to

turn this titanic bus around. Please contact us so that we might provide more direct assistance with this effort.Sincerely,Bradley W. Morris, MA, CPhilDirector of Government RelationsPsychiatric Service Dog Partnersbrad@psych.dog Jenine StanleyConsumer Relations CoordinatorGuide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America’s VetDogsjenine@guidedog.org

Reprinted with permission.

Products & ServicesNotice and Disclaimer: IAADP shares information on products and services that may be helpful resources for members as a courtesy only. IAADP does not endorse any particular product, service, company, agency, organization, individual or manufacturer. IAADP accepts no liability whatsoever and makes no guarantees of any kind. You may want to do further research and exercise due diligence by reading reviews, checking for any recalls, and checking with a qualified professional (e.g. veterinarian) before using or purchasing products or services.

AquapawWhile bathtime can be a time of fun and bubbles, some dogs and people

dislike loud, spraying water. Aquapaw has a new product design to keep water spray to a minimum for less stress in the mess and less waste of water down the drain. A combination sprayer and scrubber, the Aquapaw fits over your palm and can turn on or off when you form a fist. Aquapaw comes with an 8-foot long hose and adaptors to hook up with your shower head or outdoor garden hose. Retail price listed is $24.99 though discounts may be available. With rubber

nubs, you can whisk away the loose hair from your dog’s undercoat, though a few reviewers reported some limitation with longer hair breeds. Many people have shared positive reviews. The initial Kickstarter campaign to raise $42,000 was met in October 2017 with pledges from across the USA and the world. Learn more from their website at: https://www.aquapaw.com/

AblePhone: Service On HoldWe are sorry to inform you that the highly specialized K9 Rescue phones

(Model AP-3000A) designed, manufactured and sold by AblePhone (http://www.ablephone.com) are not being distributed until further notice. It was brought to our attention that the reason behind this change was due to the loss of Eric Hansen, the founder, who passed away earlier this year. His family and colleagues are working through this sudden and difficult transition and hope to resume business at some point in the future. If you had an order placed but did not receive the product and need a refund, they ask that you contact your bank or credit card company in the meantime. You may be able to communicate by email (ablephone@juno.com) but the phone numbers were disconnected the last time we checked. Our former Chair of IAADPs Equipment Testing Committee, Joan Froling, had

participated in testing prototypes incorporating the latest technological advances with assistance dogs and partners at various stages of training. Joan Froling widely shared information about this product as a resource with the assistance dog community at large. Eric Hansen was approached by an IAADP member years ago requesting that he design a special phone that an assistance dog could operate to call 911. Eric became aware of the need for such phones after his son sustained a diving injury causing quadriplegia. Unfortunately, our team has not yet identified an alternative product at

this time but will share if we do.

Edward Crane Joins IAADP Board of Directors

July 2017

“It is an honor and pleasure to welcome Edward Crane to the IAADP Board. As Founder and President of My Assistance Dog, Inc., Edward promotes public education and outreach regarding the benefits of working with guide, hearing and service dogs. He supports the existing assistance dog community by publishing resources and information that are easy to access. Finally, he works to educate businesses about assistance dog partners and their legal access rights, encouraging businesses to support and respect all assistance dogs.Edward is now generously sharing his expertise with IAADP.”

– Toni Ann Eames, M.S., IAADP President

Edward Crane and his canine partner, Alepo, have been dedicating day and night to promote awareness of the needs for and benefits of assistance dog partnerships as well as protecting and advancing access rights through My Assistance Dog, Inc. which he founded in 2013 (Clovis, CA). In the past four years his organization has grown immensely with a tremendous following around

the world on the internet and Facebook. An ambitious goal, Edward Crane has been diligently working with individuals and organizations in pursuit of Gubernatorial Proclamations across the USA in all 50 States and Washington D.C. to celebrate International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) beginning the 1st Sunday of August every year – August 6-12 in 2017. “During IADW, I make a personal effort to recognize and honor all the hard work and devotion that assistance dogs provide each and every day to help individuals, like myself, mitigate their disability-related limitations,” explains Edward Crane. He has a gift for connecting with audiences via public speaking – both on camera and in person at special events, public hearings, press conferences, fundraisers and more. He has a strong command of social media and web outlets, inviting people around the world to learn about the assistance dog industry and movement with information in digestible and accessible formats. Edward’s connection with assistance dogs came after a long career in marine

engineering where he traveled the world and went on to become an insurance engineering/underwriting professional at the World Trade Center in New York, USA. In 1987, he experienced his first grand mal seizure and collapsed at a business meeting in Philadelphia – it was the onset of epilepsy that changed his life forever. By 2001, as the seizures became more frequent, he had to retire and undergo brain surgery. One of his friends introduced him to the amazing work of assistance dogs through a television program featuring the organization, CPL (Canine Partners for Life / k94life.org / Cochranville, PA). Detailing a broad array of tasks these assistance dogs could perform for persons with disabilities, Edward discovered they could even alert people to imminent seizures, low blood sugar, cardiac events, and more. In 2003, Edward had his first meeting with CPL and his candidate partner, a black female Labrador Retriever named “Charity,” who warned Edward of an oncoming seizure 20 minutes before it happened! Edward laid down for safety and Charity waited alongside, at which point Edward realized his life was evermore improved as they forged a special “team” together. In 2012, he was matched with Alepo, Edward’s current seizure alert dog, a cream male Labrador Retriever who accompanies him 24 hours a day through daily battles and efforts to restore a level of normalcy in his life. “This has made a difference for me and it is a true miracle,” Edward warmly acknowledges. “I still have to deal with my Epilepsy, day in and day out, but Epilepsy no longer controls my life. For these reasons and more, I am dedicated to improving society’s understanding of epilepsy, seizures and Assistance Dogs.”

“Now I am proud to participate and contribute as a Board Member of IAADP to support achievement of our shared vision and important mission.”

– Edward Crane

For more information, check out these websites:

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) http://www.iaadp.org

International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) http://www.assistancedogweek.org

Canine Partners for Life (CPL) http://www.k94life.org

My Assistance Dog, Inc. - Website and Social Mediahttp://www.myassistancedoginc.orghttps://www.facebook.com/MyAssistanceDogInc

IAADP 25th Anniversary CelebrationContinued from page 1

and/or environmental allergens occur by way of dogs’ incredible scent detection abilities estimated to be at least 40 times greater than humans.’ For example, certain health issues preceded by changes in cortisol, adrenaline, glucose, and/or serotonin levels can be detected by dogs. When the dog smells the change, sometimes well in advance of the onset of an impending health issue, the dog can alert its handler through trained response to seek safety, medication, or medical care thereby forestalling a potential health emergency.

Assistance Dog Ownership Around the WorldIAADP, as an international organization, seeks to promote and educate the

public and policy makers regarding assistance dogs. Globally there are over 500 million dogs. In the USA alone, there 70 million dogs and of those, we estimate approximately 100 thousand are assistance dogs, including owner-trained, professionally-trained and program-trained dogs. There are some countries with substantial dog populations yet noticeably smaller ratios of assistance dogs. For example, dog population in Brazil is estimated to be 35.7 million dogs, in China 27 million, in Russia 12 million, in UK 9 million, in France 7.5 million, and in Canada 6 million. The data on assistance dogs is very limited, but our team’s initial quest brought these rough assistance dogs population estimates: in the United States, 100 thousand including 10 thousand guide dogs; in Europe, 19 thousand including 14 thousand guide dogs; in Canada, 2 thousand; in Japan, 1 thousand guide dogs; in Australia, 200; and in China, 200.Considering the world population of 1 billion persons with disabilities, if

we took a conservative estimate of only 1% (1 in 100) of these individuals qualified, ready and able to benefit from an assistance dog, we would have a projected total of 10 million persons worldwide with disabilities as potential assistance dog partner candidates. Totaling the rough data on assistance dog population, we estimate 150-200 thousand active assistance dog partner teams worldwide, leaving a gap of 9.8 million persons with disabilities having an unmet need for an assistance dog. At this time, the estimated combined total of assistance dog teams yielded by programs is 2,000 annually. Thus, only 1 in 5,000 people in the world would be able to access an assistance dog trained and matched through a program. What about the other 4,999 persons? This explains why people compare the experience of applying for these programs with trying to win a lottery or join an exclusive club. Addressing the concerns around this gap of unmet need, the community of

IAADP is dedicated to further research, public outreach and education, sharing information and promoting consumer voice with the vantage point of real life experience for informed shaping of standards, guidelines, policies, practices, case law, resource distribution, public opinion and inclusive social norms.

Who is IAADP in This World? How will IAADP best share with our constituents relevant events, resources,

and trends, as well as shape policy and inform the public?

Short History of IAADPIAADP is a self-help network of 3000+ persons with disabilities partnered

with assistance dogs (guide, hearing and/or service dogs), and a nonprofit organization with several major goals spelled out in its mission statement including 1) education 2) advocacy and 3) mutual support. Participation of assistance dog partners with real life experience, expertise and insight in this field is a core value and strength for guiding this organization’s mission work. Board members and officers are volunteers and bylaws stipulate that the board -must- include at least 51% assistance dog partners.Partners Forum is an award-winning newsletter which features coverage of hot

topics, calls to action, and events of interest for its international audience of assistance dog partner members. It is also distributed to veterinary schools and training programs throughout the world, corporate sponsors, individual donors, governmental agencies, policy makers and the general public through libraries and archived issues online. It has created a community as members share not only legal and advocacy issues, but their experiences and their stories. Emerging professionals have been able to grow their portfolio with their contribution(s) to the Partners Forum publication.

The IAADP Online ResourceIAADP established an accessible educational and advocacy website, IAADP.ORG,

which currently receives about 3.2 million hits from 300,000 plus visits each year. The website is cross-linked to over 2,000 online resources. Over 5,000 inquiries and requests come by phone, mail, email and/or social media annually. These inquiries and requests come from consumers, family members and/or

natural supports of loved ones with disability related challenges, trainers, program directors, healthcare providers, government agencies and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, media, educators, advocacy organizations, corporate sponsors, large and small businesses including restaurants, hotels, air carriers, and many more.In line with its policy and advocacy goals, IAADP has worked with the

California Hotel and Lodging Association and Assistance Dogs International to develop two Public Access videos and auxiliary material designed to educate about assistance dog issues. These efforts were funded with grants from the American Hotel and Lodging Association and American Express. The Marriott Foundation underwrote the distribution of 50,000 copies of these videos to hotels and restaurants in the United States.IAADP joined with the National Council on Disability and the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop guidelines for gate agents and other airline personnel and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) concerning how to best interact with assistance dogs and their partners.An active member of the Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations (CADO)

which also consists of Assistance Dogs International, Guide Dog Users Inc., and the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools, IAADP has planned and held 15 Conferences for the assistance dog community including a 2008 Conference held

in the United Kingdom. It also held its first virtual conference via webinar.IAADP regularly publishes and distributes useful access materials,

brochures, DVDs and web material. “Partners in Independence”, a DVD depicting the work performed by guide, hearing and service dogs, has been chosen by Veterinary Information Network and Western University School of Health Sciences to be featured on their websites.IAADP is routinely consulted by regulatory officials and agencies in matters

dealing with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and the Air Carrier Access Act in relation to assistance dogs. IAADP is especially pleased to have had success in the area of obtaining

cost-saving benefits for our membership. It partnered with Bayer Animal Health to provide their monthly parasite control product, Advantix II to assistance dog partner members in the USA and Canada at no cost. IAADP partnered with Nutramax Laboratories to provide Cosequin, Dasuquin, Denosyl and Welactin at no cost to assistance dog partner members.

The Strategic Planning ProcessLooking at the organization’s history, achievements, context, position and

the elements required to meet already under-supplied needs of the assistance dog eligible individuals, the IAADP Board held its strategic planning teleconference over two days in August 2017. Reflection, discussion, sharing, visioning and planning for next steps took place in this window. Participants provided input for goals and areas of focused efforts to bring about substantial support for the community of assistance dog partners. Not left out was the impact of IAADP in the daily lives of individuals. IAADPs board held a moment of silence for Ed Eames and Joan Froling, two of

the organization’s three co-founders. Participants then shared about the inspiration Ed and Joan left as their legacy:

“I am inspired by connection with them and feel the loss.”

“These were visionaries who planted seeds when present. Guideposts. The articles they wrote brought hope and valuable information. They were great examples of giving beyond oneself. Ed and Joan shared a relationship with me, much like my dog, reminding her she could do it even when she felt she could not.”

“Joan was always available to answer questions and provide support at length. She had a memory like an elephant for details and facts. She never let anyone feel alone.”

“I attended workshops with Joan where people in the audience would turn to her for information and answers, even the workshop facilitators.”

“She had a gift for navigating resources and information.”

Gratitude was also expressed for the volunteers who assisted the team through the transition, including the newest board members. An intentional emphasis in these efforts was an inclusive and comprehensive

look at the world as seen by those with lived experience partnering with assistance dogs as a genuine way to inform each aspect of the planning process. This infused a fidelity for meeting needs with authentic advocacy. It

is vital to include the voice of persons integrally bonded with assistance dogs who support them in their journeys living each day with disability(s). Direct input from the ‘partners’ who know firsthand the feeling of being in and managing the highly individualized challenges and victories of this world is critical to building a responsive support and advocacy organization. Members’ participation in this process is sought to remain closely aligned with the community, its near and long term interests. Out of this joint effort, IAADP seeks to establish a future direction for this international organization, such that it will not only impact policies and practices across the world as it has in the past, but that it will also continue to measurably improve the individual life prospects of its members everywhere.The Board was asked about their view of the 25 year history of the

organization and its accomplishments. Here is some of the feedback from participants:

“IAADP is a tremendous resource for awareness for those with assistance dogs and for the families of assistance dog partners. Through the provision of financial needs assistance of veterinary care and Nutramax products, offering information when assistance dog partners have questions, and the many topics that are available on IAADPs website.”

“Achievements in policy and legislation such as air travel, standards, awareness, etc. Toni Ann and Ed Eames’ book and DVD. Events that open up sharing within the community. IAADPs award winning newsletter, “Partners Forum.” Workshops. CADO (Coalition of Assistance Dog Organizations). And Fundraising support for IAADP.”

“Connecting with members through other organizations. Obtaining the continued support of 7 sponsors for IAADPs Veterinary Care Partnership (VCP) including pro-bono administration.”

During the working session, a guest participant summarized the important personal impact and support role that IAADP and its newsletter can have in an individual’s life:

“Partners Forum helps me not feel alone. I collect each issue and continue to refer to them. IAADP has been a lifeline and a coach and a vehicle to connect with many others.”

When asked “What lights a fire in your belly when you envision what you would like to see brought to the world at large?” Participants responses included:

“I am driven by these three motivations...the tagline of my organization: ‘Information, Inspiration, and Independence’.”

“Good communication on board, between board, between partners and providers and between countries. We depend on good communication whenever we try to do things together, nationally or globally.”

“Freedom, Opportunity, Choice, Expression, Voice and Law.”

“Looking at my dog as the motivator – we are on the same wavelength – it’s a partnership!”

“Choice, Freedom, and the ability to choose without constraints against creativity and innovation for relationships between animals and people with disabilities.”

“To be the person my dog thinks I am!” How does this ‘fire’ impact your vision as IAADP moves forward to the next

25 years that we could begin to accomplish over the coming 12 months?

“Better two-way communication with international partners and providers.”

“Game plan for outreach to corporations and businesses in the USA and Worldwide to become intricate parts of the assistance dog community.”

“Education for the partners and the public, such as awareness of responsible, respectful public interaction etiquette with assistance dogs.”

“Help other organizations see IAADP as an ally and community partner, not a threat but inclusive with common goals.”

“Disability Awareness, Education and Advocacy. Acceptance of All Humans. More Love, Less Hate.”

One of the advantages of the strategic planning process is that we are a diverse international organization with active membership, and we have many folks who are both familiar with the experiences faced by the disabled, as well as the advocacy required to get improvements and access from the system. IAADP wants your input, and more! Please help IAADP to prioritize and plan

the direction and emphasis as the organization moves forward into the future. As with the history above, the strategic interests include:

The Partners Forum Newsletter - connecting members as well as providing connected community

Use of the website and electronic media to inform and outreach, provide technical assistance and support, and connect a community that extends into more than 35 countries.

Education for members and for the public and community on ADP and disability issues

Engagement of socially responsible companies who will support the ADP culture and its members who are often financially challenged.

Legislation and policy initiatives, access and accommodation issues. Maintaining a robust and relevant calendar of events for members and the

public. Training issues (which lately includes addressing the shortages of

assistance animals and capacity to train enough animals to meet the demand).

AD health and maintenance issues, which seeks interaction with stakeholders, agencies, the veterinary community, database projects, and other useful organizations and sites

General resource issues, adequate access to funding and resources in all

areas that affect the partner Coverage of international policy, as well as the challenges and

disparities that affect international communities

All board members unanimously agreed that the formation of the following teams would be the most effective platform to manage and grow the organization. The name of each team corresponds with the focus of their work:

Board + Organization Development TeamMembership Engagement TeamInternational Resource TeamNewsletter TeamSocial Media TeamWebsite Update TeamFundraising TeamInformation Advocacy Team

Each working group is dependent upon volunteers and initial work plans are in the process of being developed. The invitation to contribute to IAADPs continued development is wide open to all members and supporters. You are invited and welcome to inquire about these teams, their needs, and/or the process to join the team that meets your interest.

Now it is your turn!Please answer the questions in this short response form on the next page and

email your responses to laurarose@iaadp.org with “Strategic Planning” in the subject line.Or, if you prefer, please send by postal mail to: IAADP Attn: Laura Rose,

P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights, MI 48311Please submit your responses to the Volunteer Interest Form on page 18 by

email to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@iaadp.org. Or complete the hard copy form and mail it in to IAADP, P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights, MI 48311

IAADP Strategic Planning - Community Input Form (Dec 2017)

First Name:______________________________ Last Name:_________________________________

Phone:____________________________ Email:____________________________________________

What are IAADPs most powerful accomplishments over the last 25 years?

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If you are a new member, what attracted you to IAADP?

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What “lights a fire in your belly” that you envision giving back to the world?

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How does this ‘fire’ impact your vision as IAADP moves forward into the next 25

years that we could begin to accomplish over the coming 12 months?

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What role do you see yourself playing in fulfilling your vision?

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Thank you for taking the time to complete this form and we look forward to hearing what you share and having you involved in the

areas of IAADP that are the most meaningful to you!

Please email the completed form to laurarose@iaadp.org with Strategic Planning in the subject line or send by regular mail to IAADP, Attn: Laura Rose, P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights MI 48310

IAADP Team Volunteer Interest Form (Dec 2017)

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For each of the following questions, place a check or ‘x’ on the line next to the option of your choice.How would you prefer us to get in touch with you?

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Please email the completed form to volunteer@iaadp.org with Volunteer in the subject line orsend by regular mail to IAADP, Attn: Volunteer Coordinator, P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights MI 48310

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS?CHANGE OF ADDRESS or DOG?

Contact Membership Coordinator at888-54-IAADP (888-544-2237)

membership@iaadp.org

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We have a volunteer Web Team working to update the look and format of our website. Accessibility is top priority. If you have ideas or input or time to volunteer, please let us know.Send an email to: volunteer@iaadp.org

Assistance Dog Partners - How Big is the Need, the Supply and the Gap?In preparing this article we began by sketching an initial conceptual

framework. We named it the “Bottleneck Analysis, version 1.0,” knowing it is far from complete and wide open to input, debate, and (re)discovery. Our initial look at the supply and demand of assistance dogs reveals that there is an estimated 150-200 thousand active assistance dogs worldwide, leaving a dramatic gap of at least 9.8 million persons with disabilities who could benefit but are unable to access the much needed boost to their quality of life an assistance dog would bring them. This conservative guesstimate of the gap was based on 1-5.5% of the world population of persons with disabilities. 

The yield of assistance dogs placed annually by existing training programs is roughly estimated to be in the neighborhood of 2-5 thousand assistance dogs for a worldwide need estimated to be in the millions.Precision and accuracy of the numbers is not our primary focus in this

initial article; we are more interested in identifying aspects and strategies for addressing this huge gap and the resulting delay in access. If we have a guesstimate or cite a 3rd party resource we will note it accordingly. At this time there are some placeholders where a guesstimate has yet to be determined. Over time we would like to refine and populate this framework with more reliable, accurate and precise techniques, data, and references, filling in blanks as able.The opportunities to pursue research on this topic are as diverse as the

canine population. Students, scholars and lifelong learners of any age and discipline are invited to contribute. Indeed, many already have more than they might ever know or get credit for, so here, we take a moment to pause and thank them for blazing the trail. With our collective talent we have tremendous capacity to effect positive change in this arena, thus we embark on this journey with great ambition.For this discovery to be authentic it is primary to pay attention to all of

the details regarding the possibilities that make a difference, looking back to the point of breeding, nurturing, training, and what is best strategy for developing a lifelong partnership for persons who will benefit most from the relationship with that particular dog and that particular dog’s set of skills and predispositions.Where to start? The dog parents’ genetics, the health of the puppy,

lifestyle the puppy is raised in, nutrition, environment, and socialization are elements that influencing the potential to become an assistance dog.To qualify assistance dog partners, many training programs utilize a lengthy

application and screening process designed to identify success factors and other considerations, both in terms of character and resources for placement as well as positive outcomes. Part of the discussion is the general efficiencies or possible inefficiencies of the selection and training system. The relatively long process involved in selecting, qualifying, pairing, and placing trained assistance dogs is one of the barriers that prevents the need from being met.There is also a series of sequential steps in the process of establishing an

effective assistance dog partnership once a “candidate” pair – human and dog – have been identified and matched. For example; connecting and bonding, initial training of each partner – together and solo, veterinary care, food, supplements, and (as most know) the requirements on this list continue for the lifetime of the partnership until retirement or circumstances dictate otherwise.The active ability of the dog’s handler to keep their assistance dog healthy

and cared for is an additional contributor to the shortage of available assistance dogs. This factor, is critical in the short term in expanding the availability of dogs, as well as mitigating circumstances of this concern that compromise the energy and resources of those who have been entrusted with the care of their assistance dog. One part of this is to ask, how do we provide supportive services for those who find themselves in this position?  And how might we reduce or eliminate this “bottleneck” situation that this segment of the disability community faces?

Bottleneck Analysis – Supply, Demand, Cost/Benefits Conceptual Framework 1.0 with Data On Hand and Data We Are Working to GetThe following chart is an initial conceptual framework where we start by

taking a wide look at the issues, mapping variables and elements affecting the supply and demand bottleneck for assistance dogs with the intent to brainstorm creatively, to think outside the box, to consider opportunities to effectively reduce the gap.

Addressing the Bottleneck:Looking at Small and Large Changes that Can

Make Some DifferenceEven without more specific data, the information we have accessed generally

means that we would need 10,000 programs, develop an alternative process to include the unknown number of individual owner/trainers capable of producing and placing quality assistance dogs and pairing them with partners. However, these solutions alone will not meet the worldwide needs of 10 million people with disabilities who need an assistance dog. It is worthwhile going through some of the suggested possibilities, as well

as look at things that have not been looked at in terms of resources, dog health, and other factors that would move closer to meeting the need of about 9.8 million individuals. It has been estimated that it would cost about $294 billion dollars to meet this need if the cost per dog training and successful placement was about $30,000.Interestingly, if simply talking about the large “roaming” dog population of

the world as a potential source of dogs, things as unlikely as the percentage of these dogs that have been immunized for rabies could have a significant impact on the numbers of potentially usable dogs. One study estimates that the entire dog population of Africa could be made viable and become healthy in any area that can reach 70% immunization.The supply of assistance dogs that can be partnered, is a very serious

problem in the USA, and a gigantic problem in the greater world. For example, on a level of ‘what we can do now that will immediately impact the supply of service dogs’, Al Brittain, a trainer and long time advocate and recent critic of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), recently came out in support of CCIs pilot training program that seeks to streamline the process by ending the requirement that dogs train to a more cumbersome standard than needed for many specialized needs. To read Al Brittain’s article in its entirety and/or listen to the 13 minute 44 second audio podcast, visit this link: https://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/a-glimmer-of-hope-canine-companions-for-independence-separate-tracks-pilot-program/Other factors to consider in the shortage barriers regarding the supply of

assistance dogs, and how best to invest finite resources, could include evaluations and analyses of the assistance dog industry and the use of resources by individuals and organizations therein. The screening processes, the “training of trainers”, and certainly the lifespan of the dog can also make a big difference, as can veterinary support and breakthroughs that will result in increased longevity for assistance dogs.

How are the Resources Used Now? If we had a billion dollars to invest in speeding up the process or

contributing factors for making trained assistance dogs available to persons needing them, how would we spend it and what would we expect for our money?Listed in the flowchart diagram are some of the fairly complex conditions

that affect the trainings and placements. Some of the direct and indirect benefits are listed there as well. Notably, this is not even comprehensive list.These are some of the largest organizations involved in the training of

assistance dogs, though this table leaves out a large number of guide dog agencies with assets as much as 5 times the largest on this list, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). One might approximate a rough cost per successfully placed dog based on dividing each organization’s income by the

number of successful placements. This yields an interesting consideration. The ratios of a nonprofit organizations income, assets and staff to successful dog placements can vary widely. This suggests it would be highly valuable to generate a conversation around

how to obtain a predictable range of costs which maximizes the number of successful assistance dog partnerships. It is an open question as to whether costs can be streamlined and/or aligned with more targeted and consistent people and practices generating the highest quality training (and with this a stronger likeliness of placement compatibility). And ultimately, what are the best practices, targets, success factors and strategies that make the best use of the resources?Cost per dog, resources already in the system, and the idea that there are

ways to remove some of the more inefficient parts of the screening and placement of assistance dogs are all parts of this discussion. Where can non-profits improve timely responsiveness to the vast unmet need? Where can resources enter the system and help the process to be “shovel ready” to maximize dog placements and partnerships while ensuring these are quality relationships resulting in successful bonds between the individual and the dog for the duration of the partnership.

Health and LifespanOne thing that has come to the fore, is the serious health issues in studies

looking at the mortality of breeds that normally have a large share of the service dog population. Golden Retrievers, a dog breed that is considered one of the most successful to train, in recent studies show dogs getting cancer at far higher rates than in the recent past. Such mortality reduces the average lifespan of the dogs, in some cases by large percentages. This creates a situation where assistance dogs would need to be replaced sooner. The personal impact of losing an assistance dog can be devastating and acclimating to a new dog can be difficult, potentially exacerbating an individual’s disability related challenges with a heavy emotional toll.To come back to our original question about resources and where we would

invest time, attention, and resources… our theoretical billion dollars would be stretched and leveraged far towards – yet still fall short of – an estimated $294 billion that might be required if the conservative 1% estimate (1 in 100) persons with disabilities who might qualify by fit and commitment for an assistance dog partnership, totaling 10 million individuals, less the 200 thousand estimated active assistance dog partner teams leaving a gap of 9.8 million individuals, were each to be granted an average of $30,000 for costs per dog to get the maximum result.It may be that general health initiatives, or some other strategy dealing

with circumstances around the raising of dogs, in tandem with expanding the number of training organizations that are funded, may well get us closer to a goal of meeting the need as contrasted with only funding more trainings. It may be that a comprehensive approach, with more diversified attention to the maintaining the health of the dogs would more quickly and qualitatively yield results.

IAADPs Sponsors for VCP and Other Benefits Help Bend the Curve.To bring the issue closer to home, one item, “maintaining the health of the

dog”, which to some might seem small on an individual scale, has a potential of making a large difference if applied across the larger assistance dog

population. Extending an assistance dog’s life, even by just one year, across the life of the entire assistance dog population, or the lives of all IAADP members’ dogs, could potentially reduce unmet need by roughly 10 percent if retirement and mortality could be delayed. Dog wellness initiatives and proper attention to dogs’ day to day health,

accomplished through things like veterinary check-ups, wise nutrition choices, appropriate exercise routines and timely emergency veterinary care which could save and extend assistance dogs’ lifespan are ways to directly impact assistance dog partners and expand the numbers of working assistance dogs in the immediate present.Hopefully members realize that IAADPs generous sponsors and donors

contribute a significant amount of free and/or discounted products and services for dog health addressing the various wellbeing needs of IAADP members’ assistance dogs. Prominent in this effort is Nutramax and IAADPs Veterinary Care Partnerships

(VCP) along with those providing microchips, nutrition, treats, and supplements to keep assistance dogs healthy. IAADPs Veterinary Care Partnership, through an application process, can occasionally assist members with up to $1000 dollars of emergency veterinary care needs that will preserve and extend the assistance dog’s service career when funds are available.These benefits available to IAADP members have been mapped out in an updated

table listing vendors, products and benefits featured in another part of this newsletter with instructions for accessing such benefits. See article later in this newsletter

Sources / Citations / Links1. Population Reference Bureau. 2017. “2017 World Population Data Sheet.”

Washington D.C.: Population Reference Bureau. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.prb.org/2017-world-population-data-sheet/2. Coren, Stanley. Sep 2012. “How Many Dogs Are There In The World?”

Psychology Today. New York City, NY: Sussex Publishers, LLC. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201209/how-many-dogs-are-there-in-the-world3. World Bank. 2011. “World Report on Disability.” Washington, DC: World

Bank. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: http://documents.worldbank.org/ curated/en/665131468331271288/pdf/627830WP0World00PUBLIC00BOX361491B0.pdf4. New, J. C., W. J. Kelch, J. M. Hutchison, et al. 2004. “Birth and death

rate estimates of cats and dogs in U.S. households and related factors.”  Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. Vol. 7.  Issue 4: 229-241. Abingdom, UK: Taylor & Francis Online.  Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/158578095. Lloyd Janice, Budge Claire, La Grow Steve, Stafford Kevin. 2016. “An

Investigation of the Complexities of Successful and Unsuccessful Guide Dog Matching and Partnerships.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Vol 3: 114. Lausanne, Switzerland: Frontiers Media SA. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fvets.2016.001146. Thorp, Clare. Oct 15 2014. “The History of Guide Dogs for the Blind.”

London, UK: The Telegraph. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/lifestyle/guide-dogs/11158339/guide-dogs-charity-history.html7. Paws4People, Inc.  2017. “Paws4People Breeding Program.” Wilmington, NC:

Paws4People, Inc. Last viewed online on 2017 Dec 31 at: https://paws4people.org/the-dogs/breeding-program/8. Purina Pro Club.  May 2015. “Canine Cognition Study Uses Games to

Evaluate Best Candidates for Service Dogs.” Fenton, MO: Purina Pro club. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.purinaproclub.com/resource-library/pro-club-updates/canine-cognition-study-uses-games-to-evaluate-best-candidates-for-service-dogs/9. Brittain, Al. Jul 11 2017. Podcast: “We Have to Do Better Than This.”

Lampasas, Texas, USA: The Dog Chief.  Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://player.fm/series/al-brittain-the-dog-chief/we-have-to-do-better-than-this10. Venzel, Stacey.  2017. “Here’s What Happens to Retired Guide Dogs.”

Austin, TX: Wide Open Media. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: http://www.wideopenpets.com/happens-retired-guide-dogs/11. Bergin, Bonita, Bonnie Mader and Lynette A. Hart. Dec 1989. “Social

Acknowledgments for Children with Disabilities: Effects of Service Dogs”. Child Development. Vol. 60.  No. 6.  pp. 1529–1534. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. Last viewed online 2017 Dec 31 at: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1130941

As Al Brittain pointed out in a data table titled “10 Largest (non guide dog) Service Do Organizations in the U.S. by Assets - 2016” featured on the webpage accompanying his audio podcast from July 10, 2017 titled “We Have To Do Better Than This” there is considerable variation in the ratios of annual income, annual assets, and staff to annual assistance dog placements across the ten organizations listed.

Appended Table from 10 Largest (non-guide dog) Service Dog Organizations in the U.S. by Assets - 20161 (Brittain, 2017)

___________Ratio Calculations____________

Dogs/Yr Organization Income/Yr Assets Staff Income/Dog Asset/Dog Dog/Staff 366 Canine Companions for Indep. $22,124,348 $56,352,754 255 $60.5 K $154K 1.4 73 K9s for Warriors $8,705,687 $11,278,391 41 $119.3K $154K 1.8 10 Puppies Behind Bars Inc $3,132,436 $9,916,660 17 $313.2K $992K 0.6 37 NEADS $2,317,406 $7,113,316 41 $62.6K $192K 0.9 ? Paws With A Cause $3,906,182 $6,200,945 55 103 4 Paws for Ability $2,758,142 $5,349,541 128 $26.8K $52K 0.8 19 Support Dogs, Inc $1,433,617 $5,348,058 19 $75.5K $281K 1.0 34 Can Do Canines $1,458,715 $4,458,846 33 $42.9K $131K 1.0 ? Patriot Paws Service Dogs $3,673,694 $4,212,489 26 ? Warrior Canine Connection $1,941,816 $2,740,802 34

1 This table contains data from the source listed below plus three additional columns displaying ratio calculations for an oversimplified yet quick glance comparison which is not intended for serious consideration as-is given the complexity of issues factoring into organization programming, management and resource allocation: Brittain, Al. (2017 July 10). Podcast: “Service Dog Organizations Have to Do Better Than This.” Last viewed online 2018 Nov 30 at: https://www.albrittain.com/podcast/service-dog-organizations-have-to-do-better-than-this/

A Tale To TellBy Toni Ann Eames

The following is a lovely sharing from Toni Ann Eames, IAADP President, of her travels, presentations at conferences and other such events, her joy and some sorrow from 2017 encapsulated into a few short paragraphs. You can look forward to more of these tender, heartfelt, and open contributions to Partners Forum from Toni in 2018.

Sunrise of Hope, of Prosperity, of Happiness! It’s a new beginning of thoughts, of words, of actions, a new day of energy, of strength, of ideas! There will be a whole bunch of new things to experience, enjoy and treasure in 2017! A very, very Happy New Year!January 11th through the14th I attended The Top Dog Conference in Orlando

where I presented two Nutramax sponsored lectures to the veterinary students at the University of Florida. The students are always so responsive, it keeps me on a high!Adora had an enjoyable time at the conference as well, at one meal, we had

seven guide dogs under the table without incident! Awesome!One of my favorite sessions was CPR for dogs. The presenter had large

stuffed dogs for the attendees to work on, then gave us each time on a simulated rubber dog with a heartbeat and the ability to have chest compressions. I also loved the breakfast session where audience members told tales about their dogs.There were two presentations about traveling on an airplane with your

service dog. The first presentation was given by a flight attendant on plane safety and preparedness. Scared me big time! I cannot imagine me going down a chute! The second airline session dealt with possible new regulations that might occur within the coming year. There was a presentation by a veterinarian that special-izes in dog

allergies. I felt fortunate that Adora does not have the multitude of possible allergies described by the veterinary dermatologist. The banquet speech was given by Charlie Crawford, a venerable member of Guide Dog Users Inc. I was concerned about getting around the hotel on my own, but the crew of volunteers was fabulous! To my dismay, our hotel room was far from the elevator bank, definitely increased my back pain. But the important thing is I made it!My Aunt Harriet volunteers with Girls, Inc., where she mentors a junior high

student. On the afternoon of January 12th, I spoke with a small group of girls from the organization and showed my Partners in Independence DVD. Here’s the letter I received after my talk:

Hello Harriet,I’d like to thank Toni and “The Gorgeous Adora” for coming and spending time

with us. The girls and I truly enjoyed their visit and gained a lot of information!! In addition to being informative, Toni’s personality was awesome! A million thanks to her for speaking to us and you for setting up the visit!

Allison Mazer

One of my great loves is the theater, the month of February was full of performances, each one unique and enriching. I attended a mystery dinner play called Café Noir. The dinner was tasty, and the play was simplistic, but fun! Another theatrical production was a reading by the cast members of Stage Works. This was a great situation for me, because there was virtually no action, and just speaking parts. Then there was a lunch and lecture sponsored

by the League of Women Voters. I had a very special Chinese New Year celebration, I attended a ceremony with fireworks and a dancing dragon. I got to touch the dragon costume. It was very memorable – several humans wear this dragon costume, totally covering their bodies and move it along by wiggling and dancing!Living with an elderly, deaf-blind, arthritic retired guide dog was a

challenge for me. As a totally blind person, my late husband Ed’s Golden Retriever presented problems for me. I could not let him loose in the backyard, because he could not hear my call, and I could not find him. In the house, he would sprawl out just about everywhere, and I would trip over him if I moved too fast. Latrell, (see Farewell Latrell in this issue) was a happy dog who didn’t let his disabilities keep him down. When he was in a deep sleep and someone touched him, he would wake with a grin and wagging tail. Latrell and my guide dog Adora used to play and wrestle and I miss those grunts and growls! Latrell is no longer here, but his memory lives on forever!As all things do, April’s sadness from the passing of Latrell was balanced

with joy. I had the good fortune of enjoying a very special event at the Saroyan Theater. I have read all of Lisa Genova’s fabulous novels, the most well-known being “Still Alice.” Lisa Genova was a guest speaker, and it was a delight to hear her presentation.During May I had a nice balance between professional business and

pleasurable entertainment. I participated in teleconferences on retirement or death of a guide dog, Newsreel and IAADPs board meetings. I attended the productions of Arsenic and Old Lace and a folk concert by local Fresno artists.July was a relatively quiet month. With temps in the triple digits for weeks

on end, it’s best to relax in my air-conditioned home. As for many of our dog partners, July Fourth can be a nightmare, and this year was no exception! As bad as it was, Adora is beginning to reduce her reaction to the booms. She cuddled tightly with me in bed but departed once the noise subsided. A new and exciting thing that happened this month was I had the opportunity

to speak and read to the children during a Unitarian Universalist service. My friend Carol Fleischman wrote a magnificent children’s book about her guide dog Nadine, I read them the book and talked with them about other guide dogs. When my husband Ed Eames was alive, we were very familiar with Fresno City

Council meetings. I haven’t done as much advocacy work at the local level since his passing. However, our newest IAADP Board member, Ed Crane, invited me to join him at the Clovis City Council Meeting to receive a proclamation. Ed Crane has actively sought proclamations for International Assistance Dog Week (August 6-12) from each state, the White House and the military services. Additional photos and details can be found on Ed Crane’s website at: http://www.myassistancedoginc.org or on the International Assistance Dog Week social media Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/assistance dogweek or at their website: https://www.assistancedog week.org. Proclamations gathered to date have been posted to the Facebook page! [Editor’s Note: Last year, Ed Crane gifted IAADP an extra tall binder with

all the Proclamations gathered in 2016, each carefully mounted on special pages to display at information fairs and special events.] Ed Crane generously included IAADP in his local efforts to educate the

public. He and I both spoke to the Clovis City Council, and it brought back so

many fond memories. I was recognized as Ed Eames’ widow, and congratulated for the work he did on access issues. This afternoon we received the Clovis Roundup Newspaper. In the heading of the article The Roundup recognizes International Assistance Dog Week. The newspaper has a half page all about the events that unfolded at the City Council meeting what took place on July 17, 2017. They have a picture of Adora and I, plus Ed and his dog. We are in front of the city council members Drew Bassinger, Lynn Ashbeck, Bob Whalen, Jose Flores and Vong Maounatoua. Lynn Ashbeck is shaking hands with Ed Crane. Underneath the picture, the explanation of the photo, reads: The City of Clovis’ July 17 council meeting agenda included the proclamation of August 6-12 as International Assistance Dog Week. Edward Crane, Founder of My Assistance Dog, Inc. and Toni Ann Eames, Co-Founder & President of IAADP approach the city council members to receive the proclamation. Below is the link to a news article about our visit to the Clovis City

Council, July 26, 2017 written by Tomas Kassahun, Reporter and last viewed online 2017 Aug 08 at: http://www.clovisroundup.com/clovis-recognizes-international-assistance-dog-week/ I always speak to strangers when they sit near me, the council meeting was

no different, and this time it was a real winning situation. Ikuko Watnick was at the council meeting to talk about her involvement with the Clovis theater group currently performing “Fiddler On The Roof.” I told Ikuko how much I love the play and I’d try to find someone to drive me. Without a second thought, and not even knowing where I lived, she offered to pick me up and take me to the theater. I have seen Fiddler countless times, even attending the original production on Broadway, but never tire of it. The man who played Tevye was beyond fabulous, and having a live orchestra performing the musical accompaniment, was wonderful! It was such a fantastic chance meeting with Ikuko, and we will remain friends. Additional entrainment outings included the Gilly Girls performance, (the

two sets of young twins who play multi-ple instruments and sing folk songs), a birthday concert given by Avigdar Adams, a fundraiser play, “Us and Them” for the Fresno Center of Nonviolence (this play was locally written about race relations), and the Neil Simon play, “Fools.”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

- Maya Angelou Earlier this year I discovered a teleconference book club and for the month

of August I very much enjoyed discussing “The Elephant Whisperer.” I highly recommend this book. Speaking of teleconferences, IAADP had a two-day six-hour strategic planning conference. Laura Rose, Joan Froling’s daughter, was an excellent organizer, and we truly benefited from the time. I had two plays for the month of August on my agenda. The first one on my

list was, “I love you, you’re Perfect! Now Change!” at the Golden Chain Theater. It is a delightful musical about all the aspects of meeting, falling in love, having a family, divorce and funerals. The visual portions were narrated, which I really appreciated. When I graduated with Adora almost 4 years ago, I met her puppy raiser,

Jeanette Frey. I haven’t seen Jeanette since 2013, but she came to visit on her drive back from Los Angeles August 25. We had a lovely time together, and Adora was pleased to see her again! Jeanette was equally thrilled to see Adora

in such good condition, and she petted her for hours! Jeanette shared many stories about the dogs she raised for GDB, and it was fun catching up on Adora’s early life. I attended a lecture at the Jewish Temple. The topic was Ray Frank the

first girl rabbi of the Golden West. One of our scholarship winners was a middle-aged man from the Bronx, NY. We

chatted after the awards celebration and he agreed to have me interview him for Back In the Bronx magazine. What a small world! I was able to make to my second play, the show “Sister Act” at Roger Rocka.

I’ve always fantasized about buying a ten-person table and came close with six of my friends and me. The lead singer who took on the Whoopi Goldberg role was powerful. My entertainment for the month of November was “The Hunchback of Notre

Dame” held at the Selma Performing Arts Center. The performers were fabulous singers and actors, but the action was so frenetic, I found myself being distracted for the performance. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the performance overall.I love craft fairs, and they started this month. So far I have only made it

to one at a local church. It was small, but fun. My husband Ed was President of the North Fresno Lions Club, and, although I

am not a member, I try to raise money for their various events. After all, this Lions Club does support the Newsreel and IAADP. On the 20th of this month, I was the guest speaker, and I loved it! I’ve always loved Thanksgiving, not only for the food, but the togetherness

of the company. We had a delicious dinner, and my guests consisted of our dog walking family, Beth, Bernice, Mark, Ernest, Tracie, James and me. The sharing and warmth were super. Best of all, Tracie and James did all of the clean-up! IAADP wants to grow and expand its outreach and activities. Please

volunteer your valuable expertise. Are you computer savvy? Do you have knowledge about websites? Can you write for or edit Partners Forum? Are you familiar with your local, regional, national, and/or international law and public policy pertaining to assistance dogs and public access rights? Do you have ideas for fundraising? Please come join us and make IAADP stronger!Email volunteer@iaadp.org to connect with IAADPs Volunteer Coordinator. When shopping online at Amazon.com don’t forget to use AmazonSmile and name

IAADP as your charity of choice to support this great organization!I am so appreciative of the IAADP contributions received. Just a brief reminder to go online at http://www.iaadp.org to make a

donation by PayPal, credit card. On our web site you can read about our marvelous achievements. My wish is

that our veterinary care fund was more financially secure. You can help by making a donation, either online or by sending a check made out to IAADP via mail to: IAADP ℅ Toni Ann Eames, 273 W. Ellery Way, Fresno, CA 93704.

Alert! Call To Action in the USA Please contact your U.S. Congresspersons, especially your Senators from your

state regarding proposed legislative bill HR620 also known as the “ADA Education and Reform Act” which could significantly impact public access for assistance dog partners and many more. You can read the bill in its entirety, tracking details of its progress online at: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr620. On that web page, you can also submit comments or respond through contacting your congresspersons via phone or email.Additional links with information include:

National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) - http://www.ndrn.org/public-policy/ada-a-civil-rights.html

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) - https://www.aclu.org/blog/disability-rights/house-members-are-pushing-bill-will-roll-back-rights-people-disabilities

Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities Tool Kit for responding to ADA Education and Reform Act - http://www.autism-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Updated-CCD-toolkit-on-620-2-12-18.pdf

Teen Vogue - https://www.teenvogue.com/story/hr-620-could-put-disability-rights-at-risk

Reflections on U.S. Supreme Court Unanimous Decision in Fry v. Napoleon Community SchoolBy Megan Kennedy

Notice and Disclaimer: The author is not an attorney and does not represent herself as such. The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law. No information contained in this article should be construed as legal advice from IAADP or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this article should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this article without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other jurisdiction.    A Supreme Court case was decided earlier this year that many in the

assistance dog community were following closely, Fry v. Napoleon Community Sch., 137 S. Ct. 743, 197 L. Ed. 2d 46 (2017). By way of a brief summary, the plaintiffs are two parents who have a daughter with cerebral palsy named Elena. When Elena was 5, she received an assistance dog named Wonder who was trained to retrieve dropped items, assist Elena with her balance, and open and close doors, among other tasks. Elena’s school, the defendant school district, initially permitted Wonder to attend school on a temporary trial basis, but he was separated from Elena and had to remain in the back of the classroom. Being separated, Wonder could not perform his tasks and the school concluded

Wonder did not need to come to school at all. Instead, the school provided Elena with a one-on-one aide. The aide would perform the same tasks as Wonder when Elena needed assistance. Elena’s parents removed Elena from school, began to homeschool her, and filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). They alleged the school district had violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504

of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) by excluding Wonder from school.OCR investigated and agreed, issuing a letter that explained what the school

was obligated to do. OCR was careful to articulate that schools had to both: (1) provide students with a free appropriate public education (FAPE, discussed below), and (2) avoid discriminating against students. In Elena’s case, OCR determined that whether or not the school had denied Elena a FAPE, it had violated Title II and Section 504. The Frys ultimately filed a federal lawsuit against the school, claiming violations of Title II of the ADA and Section 504.This case initially created a bit of a stir in the community because it

seemed to deal directly with questions of public access and assistance dogs in schools. However, after a close read of the decision and the question presented to the Court, the decision was not decided on any assistance dog issues. It focused on administrative procedures and exhaustion. The question that the Supreme Court was answering was whether Elena’s parents had to exhaust (in other words, fully pursue all options) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) administrative procedures before they could sue the school district under Title II and Section 504.Why is it important to understand the legalese in this case? The IDEA, 20

U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., is a federal law that provides funding to states as long as the states provide a FAPE to all children with disabilities. FAPE is a detailed concept with many nuances, but on a basic level, means that “instruction [is] tailored to meet a child’s unique needs” and “supportive services” are provided for the child to benefit from the tailored instruction. Students with disabilities thereby acquire “substantive rights” to FAPE once the state accepts IDEA funds. This means that students who have a disability that falls under the IDEA have a right to FAPE once their home state accepts any federal funding from IDEA. It’s important to know that the IDEA, like other federal statutes, has

formal procedures for handling disputes. Parents can file complaints with their local or state educational agencies if they are unhappy with their child’s FAPE. This often leads to a preliminary meeting between parents and schools. If the meeting doesn’t resolve the problem, the issue goes before an impartial hearing officer in a due process hearing. The hearing officer’s job is to determine whether the child received a FAPE. This is not a court trial; notably, the hearing officer does not determine anything else, such as whether the school has violated other federal laws. If the hearing officer decides that the school has provided the student with FAPE, only then can parents turn to the courts.The ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12101, and Section 504, 29 U.S.C. § 701, also protect

people with disabilities. Title II of the ADA forbids any public entities from discriminating based on disability; Section 504 forbids discrimination based on disability by any federally funded program or activity. Readers are likely somewhat familiar with what both of these laws say about assistance animals, which state that permitting use of an assistance animal is a reasonable accommodation and is required in most places of public accommodation. It is critically important to understand the differences between all of

these laws and what is required by each. I have seen much discussion in the assistance dog community about the potential impact of this case and its importance. While I was thrilled to see the decision in favor of the Frys, the battle is not over yet. The Supreme Court remanded, or sent back, the case to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to decide whether the “gravamen” of Elena’s

complaint “charges, and seeks relief for, the denial of a FAPE.” Fry, 137 S. Ct. at 758-9.The only question the Supreme Court decided here was whether the IDEA

requires parents to go before the hearing officer if they were not challenging the adequacy of the student’s FAPE. If you recall from our earlier discussion, the hearing officer does not decide any issues outside of FAPE. It seems illogical and a waste of time and resources for parents to have to go before a hearing officer about discrimination under Title II and Section 504 when the hearing officer cannot decide that issue at all. The Supreme Court agreed, and ultimately held that parents do not have to go before the hearing officer when they are not challenging the adequacy of a FAPE.Since the Frys’ complaint alleges only disability-based discrimination

(violations of Title II and Section 504), without making any reference to the adequacy of the special education services (FAPE), the Sixth Circuit will now take the case back and decide whether the Frys are actually challenging the adequacy of Elena’s FAPE. The resolution to that question will be interesting, because if the Sixth Circuit decides that the Frys are challenging Elena’s FAPE, it would seem that the Frys might lose because they did not go through the hearing officer process the IDEA requires. I would predict that the Frys’ attorneys will argue very strongly that they are not challenging Elena’s FAPE and focus their arguments on the public access rights for assistance dogs that is required under Title II and Section 504 (among other things).Ultimately, I remain unconvinced that this is somehow a remarkable decision

for assistance dog partners. There is some nice language that I am sure will be quoted and used:“Or similarly, consider that an adult visitor to the school could have

leveled much the same charges if prevented from entering with his service dog. See ibid. In each case, the plaintiff would challenge a public facility’s policy of precluding service dogs (just as a blind person might challenge a policy of barring guide dogs, see supra, at 751) as violating Title II’s and § 504’s equal access requirements. The suit would have nothing to do with the provision of educational services”. Fry, 137 S. Ct. at 758.I do not want or intend to understate the importance of the Supreme Court’s

iteration of the handler’s right to have their assistance dog in a place of public accommodation. I was relieved to see that the Court did not muddy the waters on this issue. I cannot agree, however, that the Court was somehow extrapolating or granting new public access rights for assistance dogs in schools. The law surrounding public access was never at question here. The Court did not grant certiorari to decide whether Elena’s school was wrong for excluding her dog. Justice Kagan states clearly that the Court granted certiorari to “address confusion in the courts of appeals as to the scope of [the IDEA]’s exhaustion requirement.” Fry, 137 S. Ct. at 752.I will be much more interested to see the Sixth Circuit’s decision because

that court will be tasked with deciding whether Elena’s claim of disability discrimination also claims that she was denied a FAPE. Justice Kagan seemed relatively convinced that the Frys were not challenging Elena’s FAPE. She writes that the Frys could have also filed essentially the same lawsuit against a movie theater or public library that refused to allow Wonder. Similarly, if an adult visitor came to Elena’s school with an assistance animal and was refused access, that adult could also file essentially the same lawsuit against the school. Fry, 137 S. Ct. at 758. Again, this says to me that the Court is not confused about the legal standards of public access for

assistance dogs. It is merely trying to decide whether the Frys’ suit is challenging the correct issue under the right statute.Overall, I think this is a good decision for students with disabilities. It

allows families to avoid wasting their time and resources exhausting the IDEA’s administrative proceedings when they don’t want to challenge the quality of the student’s FAPE. It is admittedly less positive for schools, as it is possible that families will be less incentivized to work with the school on issues of disability discrimination and choose to go through the expensive and time-consuming litigation process.We will keep readers updated when the Sixth Circuit decision is decided.

Call for VolunteersIf you would like to be a part of the Partners Forum Newsletter Team

please email: volunteer@iaadp.org or call (541) 972-3647

The Impact of My Assistance Dogs on PTSDBy Helene DeMartinez, September 2017  It has come to my attention that the viability and the use of service

animals by those who have PTSD is coming into review. First, the terms: mentally ill and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are used too freely in broad capacity; from someone committing incomprehensible criminal act to someone who behaves or acts outside of social norms. Whether survivors of domestic abuse, child abuse, terrorism, war veteran, emergency responder, traumatic personal events, etc. PTSD may affect you personally or to someone you know personally. Nothing is worse than being somehow labeled and categorized. You lose one individual identity only to gain another that accompanies pity, and sometimes shame. Although I am only one voice, please allow me a moment of your time to share how I have thrived with PTSD as one of my many challenges. My secret, one and only drug of choice, walks on four paws. I am with my 3rd medical alert/mobility service dog and am permanently

disabled with one of my challenges being PTSD. With 20 years surviving and thriving, I owe my success to my service dogs, Brandy, Bisonte’ and now Breezy. Our steadfast relationship as team partners has smoothed the rough edges, easing the pain and comforted me when no one else could or would. After reading that last sentence, that does not even scratch the surface

what these service dogs gave to me, impacting my life, for the better. Bottom line. I would not be alive today if it were not for my service dogs. I am going to give it to you straight, because that is the only way I know

how. I refused all pain meds because I was afraid of any chance to become addicted. It was bad enough that the few meds for anxiety had such awful side effects that even the lowest dose caused problems for me. Words will never convey the extreme indescribable pain physically that I endured while dealing

with the loss of what I used to be able to do. My life was unbearable, until Brandy came into my life in 1998. Yet, even with my service dogs, PTSD affects every facet of my very being, daily. I’ll give you one example of one facet: my senses; sight, smell, hearing, and even taste becomes more acutely sensitive. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes manage these heightened senses. However, when I go into sensory overload, I become impacted by severe migraines that will last for days, even weeks. When this occurs, my pain level becomes accentuated. This is just one example of one challenge I deal with. Besides assisting me as medical alert/ mobility aids, my service dogs assist me in my pain management. First by providing routine to my life. By caring for my animal companions and their needs, I am diverted from my pain. By putting their needs first, I am given a purpose. And when stroking their hair, I am receiving a tactile stimulation that is calming and distracting to my emotional and physical pain. But there is more, I practice relaxation, massage, reiki, and meditation techniques with and on my service dog and cats, too. These practices benefit us all. By having my medical alert/mobility service dog, they provide a sense of grounding, balance, and calming joy. I am living proof of the viability of how service animals impact an individual with PTSD.

Finding Care for Your Pet While Hospitalizedhttps://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2017/04/how-to-find-care-for-

your-pet-while-hospitalized

Benefits for Partner Members of IAADPPlease look over this packet carefully. If you are a Partner Member, a Membership Card is included in this packet. (Friend and Provider Members do not receive Membership Cards). Please put this valuable card in a safe place since it will be needed to obtain certain benefits! The cost for a Replacement Card will be five dollars. If you do not find a Membership Card and believe there has been a mistake on your membership status, please contact IAADP at once. Please Note: We do not replace your New Member Packet so do not lose the enclosed information.

How to Use Your Card Take it to your next appointment. Ask the clinic to keep a copy in your

dog’s medical file! Have the veterinary staff copy both sides of the plastic card to ensure they have your membership number and the phone number needed for them to obtain your benefits. Also it permits them to fax a copy when required by Sponsors. In addition, it will enable them to order a six month refill of certain products when you call, which often saves our members the cost of an office visit. Keep the original safe, in case you change veterinarians or the copy is lost.

IAADP Rule AGAINST Contacting our Benefactors Directly:

Please realize that most of IAADPs benefits require your Veterinarian to contact the company. It is NEVER appropriate for you to call either Nutramax or Bayer Animal Health yourself to discuss a problem or ask questions. If your veterinarian won’t make the call, it is your right to change to a veterinarian who will assist you to access the benefits. If you have some other problem, please contact IAADP for help and if need be, we will contact the company. IAADP has worked very hard to obtain benefits and discounts for our members. We need your cooperation to keep them! Those who contact the donor will lose eligibility to remain an IAADP member. So please contact IAADP, not the donor! Please contact IAADP (mc.iaadp@gmail.com) to change/update any dog or address information, and ALSO your veterinarian as they must notify Nutramax of the change when time for a product refill.

Important Notice: Please understand that IAADP cannot guarantee the availability of any

benefit. We recognize that the gift giving policies of any corporation are subject to change. Also adjustments to a delivery system, a change to the phone number or a contact person may be required of us from time to time and of course it will take time to update members through the website Benefits section and/or the newsletter. Contact IAADP if you have any questions and do not find the information you seek in the article on each benefit in the website Benefits section, which is linked to the online Membership Application Form at: http://iaadp.org/iaadp-membership-benefits.html Enjoy your membership and if you have any questions, please contact our

Membership Coordinator/Database Manager by phone at 888-54-IAADP or at mc.iaadp@gmail.com. Best Wishes, IAADP Board of Directors

NEW Shared Group Library Named ADPREFS     

We are pleased to announce a valuable online resource library tool we’ve started building for all IAADP members and volunteers to access. The name of our Zotero Group Library is ADPREFS (abbreviation for Assistance Dog Partners REFerences) and can be found online at: https://www.zotero.org/groups/adprefs/items/ This shared bibliographic reference tool can be a valuable resource for

sharing and learning more about a wide variety of topics connected to assistance dogs plus researching information for articles, program design and grant proposals. Zotero provides the online software free of charge and makes it easy to export the citations to a variety of bibliographic and electronic file formats. Topics in the library include, but are not limited to: ADP Access Rights,

Expenses and Cost of Ownership, Gear, Legal Resources, Grief/Loss/Transition, and Training. The entries are searchable by keyword, tags, and other criteria. If anyone has suggestions regarding topics, tags, or references you believe would be valuable to include, please email laurarose@iaadp.org

An Eastward Night, Before the Dawn –Part 2By Helene De Martinez

With the voice of IAADPs Joan Froling resonating in my heart, I wanted to begin fulfilling the many tasks to prepare for my trip to the East Coast.However, when you are grieving, the mind, body, and spirit lose their rhythm

and momentum. I was reminded of this when I awoke one morning with my 16-year-old, white bellied, 12 pound, Brown Tabby cat, Athos snuggled next to me in bed with his arms and legs completely wrapped around my right arm embracing me tenderly. Athos was doing all he could to comfort and care for me as he reassured my heart with purrs, nuzzles, and looks of love with his beautiful expressive green eyes. It was then that I was aware that he too was missing his brother, Bisonté.Even Ember, my 5-year-old, 30 pound, black cat who adopted us a year before

revealed his compassionate side. He would snuggle next to me during a nap and somehow contort his beautiful luscious body so that his head would end up resting within the palm of my hand. I took this sign as a great honor especially since this sweet sensitive cat had a difficult life before finding our forever home. He too felt the shift of our family dynamics with the loss of his brother, Bisonté.What I have to admit now, is that the loss of Bisonté reignited the depth of

grief I also felt when Mystique, Brandy and Porthos had passed years before. Feelings are reawakened as memories come to the surface. Although this is quite normal in the process of grieving, patience, time and the awareness to be gentle with yourself is essential. But sometimes, difficult to remember. Athos and Ember followed me about the house as I was preparing for the trip and the new service dog puppy. And when I was about to do too much, they would sit and stare at me intensely as if to say “Okay, that is enough for today, it’s cuddle time.” Thus providing a pace and balance so that I avoided painful and debilitating medical challenges.While wading through my grief, making every attempt to care for myself to

avoid medical challenges, one of the greatest burdens was handled by a dear friend. And I will be forever humbled and grateful to my kind and generous friend, Mary. Truly, thank you. Gradually my tasks that Joan Froling suggested were being fulfilled:1. Purchase Alaska Airlines tickets and make arrangements for wheelchair

assistance from gate to gate.2. Make sure arrangements are made for puppy’s return flight. Since my

documented medical records history is extensive in my disability need for a Medical Alert/Mobility Service Dog. My need (since I have not flown since 1997) for emotional support for my PTSD is vital especially now and for this trip. Although the puppy is a Service-Dog-To-Be, she does not warrant the same rights as a Trained Viable Service Dog at the age of 8 plus weeks old. However, her ability to calm and reduce stress for my medical condition is essential to my health and well being during this long flight.Alaska Airlines agents, over the phone, were very helpful and understanding

in the whole process. I explained my needs, expressed my concerns and requested suggestions for a successful trip. I even obtained copies of the Alaska Airlines Service Dog and Emotional Support Animal policies from my

research librarian. I made sure I was well informed and prepared.3. I made a visit to my medical doctor who provided a current brief letter

explaining my medical need for my Medical Alert/Mobility Service Dog, and another brief letter explaining my need for an Emotional Support Animal.4. I made a visit to my Veterinarian, Dr. Liana, who provided a letter of

reference for me as a Medical Alert/Mobility Service Dog owner, for the breeder and the airlines, should they need it. Due to Dr. Liana being our vet since 2005, her knowledge of my care of and need for my animal companions provided another viable voice to support this venture. I also made a vet appointment for the new puppy, December 9th.5. Then I purchased a Sherpa Pet Carrier for the puppy to travel in, on the

airplane. I also purchased a pink puppy Kong chew bone, a little Winter coat, a tag with engraved emergency information on it, a collar, and a leash too. Now, with the leg work completed, I concentrated on making sure Athos and

Ember were well cared for when I was to be away. Three wonderful friends: Bill, Denise, and Christine scheduled feeding and cuddle times. Remember, cats are sensitive. Mine were still mourning the loss of Bisonté and their age was a factor. So, I spoke about the new puppy and how they were getting a new sister…that they will have to show her the way and the hierarchy of our family.I called the breeder several times. It was during one of those phone calls

that we were discussing the birth of the litter. She mentioned the birth date briefly toward the end of our conversation. But I did not understand until we had said our goodbyes and hung up the phone.Did she say the puppy’s birthday was October 10th? I had been taking notes

while conversing. Sure enough, I had written October 10th! I called the breeder back to confirm the birth date. She must have thought…Oh who knows…after she confirmed the date. I thanked her and said I would be in touch soon-hanging up again.I felt light hearted. The realization of a miracle had occurred. Bisonté had

known so much more than I. As usual I was still being cared for by my beautiful boy.December 7th, with one carry on, the Sherpa Pet Carrier in hand containing

the puppy’s needs, a toothbrush, medication and basic personal needs, I successfully traveled to the East Coast via two Alaska Airplanes and with the assistance of gate to gate wheelchair attendants.The breeders picked me up at my hotel and drove me to her home where I was

greeted and then dined with 5 (five) Bouvier des Flandres beneath the dining room table. I was in heaven! I’m saving this story for a book!While we were talking in her kitchen I asked again the birthdate of the

female puppy. The breeder said, after showing me the registration records, “October 10th. . .that is when I revealed to her Bisonté awakening me twice at 1:00 AM and 3:30 AM on October 11th, leading me outside and then purposefully staring toward the Eastward sky. Refusing to return inside the house until I stood beside him facing Eastward. Upon relaying this event both the breeder and I broke down crying. After a hug, she asked if I was ready to meet the puppy. I took a deep breath and said yes. Bisonté had fulfilled the last request I asked of him.As the breeder was attending to the 5 Bouviers we had dined with, feeding

them their dinner, I had memories of Brandy and Bisonté as puppies flash into my mind. Such sweet memories. Then the breeder lead me to the puppy area. She said although she had a little girl that fit my characteristics requirements I

had requested, I had my choice of any puppy. This is really difficult to keep brief. But all I can say is that this breeder who has been breeding this breed since the 1970’s really knows her stuff!When I met this sweet fawn colored puppy with a dark muzzle and dark ears,

she leapt into my arms as I was sitting on the floor. She was happy, healthy, trusting, self-confident, playful, very clean and relaxed when within my arms. I knew her name since I spoke with the breeder the second time in November on the 8th. And I told the breeder then, her name is “Breezy,” which means light and easy.After returning to my hotel that evening, I made a couple phone calls to

check on Athos and Ember – also to attempt to relay meeting the breeder, her 5 beautiful dogs and of course meeting “Breezy.”The next day the breeder picked me up. We returned to her house to finalize

matters and pick up Breezy then we were on our way Westward bound. Breezy, 8 weeks and 3 days old, weighing 10 pounds was relaxing comfortably in her Sherpa pet carrier taking in every sight and sound, with the self confidence and ease of a seasoned traveler.Awaiting to board, I reflected. Here I was with my new service dog puppy

that looked like a caramel colored cotton ball with legs. Oh, and soft, like silk or angora. She was remarkable in every way. Our connection was immediate. She made great eye contact as I explained where we were going every step of the way.But I’m getting ahead of her story. . .Our trip to the airport and then through the airport went smoothly. Breezy

made no fuss. There were nice people who took care of us. Alaska Airlines knew I was traveling with my emotional support and future Medical Alert/Mobility Service Dog. My physicians had supplied all the medical documentation the airline required to ensure our travels to be a low stress journey. Therefore, Alaska Airlines had a designated employee to pick up Breezy and me by wheelchair and to then push us through TSA to the gates and even potty spots. These wonderful people took such great care of us.Breezy and I were allowed on the airplane early so we could settle in. And

she did just that. She did not make a peep or fuss. However, a kenneled dog in the cargo area below first class seats could be heard barking and whining. People were very concerned about this cargoed dog. Many passengers boarding the plane had to pass through first class and they could hear the dog “below” barking loudly – clearly under stress. Even after take off, the cargoed dog took some time to quiet down. All I know is that I am so very thankful I traveled to meet the breeder and all the beautiful Bouvier family. And especially grateful that Breezy was able to travel with me, by my side.After our meals were served, then finished and finally cleared away, I asked

the one and only passenger sitting a seat over from me if he would mind if I checked and took care of my puppy. He said – no he would not mind. Then I noticed he looked on with curiosity as I unzipped the carrier revealing our little Breezy. Quietly I lifted her out and laid her body on my lap wrapping my arms around her. She snuggled her nose into my neck and resumed her slumber. I too closed my eyes and took in her puppy scent and listened as her breathing relaxed. Feeling her heartbeat next to mine was a beautiful feeling. We snoozed.Flight attendants knew Breezy was on board because I had introduced her

prior to getting on board the plane. Some of the attendants even took photos of Breezy while at the gate in the airport. And because I had written

documentation which I made sure at least one flight attendant saw, we had no problem. At one awkward moment, Breezy peed a little in her carrier. A flight attendant kindly took her to first class to clean her off. While I took the carrier to the back of the plane’s other bathrooms to do a little cleaning too.Breezy just shined – even as I was concerned that a passenger might

complain. Fortunately I heard none. Finally I returned Breezy to her carrier when turbulence began. She was rocked to sleep as this large jet continued Westward.Once we arrived in Seattle, our adventure became a little stressed. After

waiting at one gate we had to switch to another, a distance away. Fortunately Alaska Airlines employees wheel-chaired Breezy and I where we needed to go. But this next plane was tiny compared to the luxury jet we first flew on. But Breezy was a trooper. We finally arrived at the Medford Airport after midnight on December 9th.No one greeted us. I pushed Breezy in a wheelchair to my parked car and

settled her in a soft comfy bed in my car and drove us home.We took a nap and then reported to my vet Dr. Liana Barron the next morning

– she checked out Breezy who was far more bright eyed and bushy-tailed than I, since I had to be alert for our travels while she was able to sleep most of the time.Remember, that was the first time I had traveled by air since 1997. Since my

brain injury. So Breezy and I then went home to sleep together. But this was just the beginning…

About the AuthorHelene DeMartinez served in thelaw and justice field in both the public and

private sector before retiring. She has been involved as a volunteer in disaster preparedness over the last forty years, most recently teaching on disaster psychology. Helene currently is a bereavement facilitator for Winterspring in Southern, Oregon specializing in animal companion loss which Breezy and Ember assist with, as Athos passed away.

It’s Your Choice:Nominate and Vote for IAADP to Receive FundingThere are several online fundraising resources such as like Charitocracy,

AmazonSmile, and GivingAssistant which help not-for-profit organizations like IAADP receive monies to sustain the ongoing mission work of our kind volunteers. You can nominate, vote for and/or designate IAADP as your “Charity of Choice” to receive funding. If you nominate IAADP for funding or awards, please let our Social Media Team leader (jill@iaadp.org) know so we can get the word out!

Dogs for the Deaf renamed to Dogs for Better LivesDogs for the Deaf, Inc. from Central Point, Oregon has been training dogs

since 1977 and recently updated its name to Dogs for Better Lives, effective November 1, 2017 because they now train three (3) types of assistance dogs. In addition to hearing dogs, they train dogs for children ages 4 to 11 with autism as well as program dogs to assist professionals who support persons with disabilities in a clinical setting such as the Children’s Advocacy Center in Jackson County, Oregon. An IAADP board member mentioned knowing their training director, John Drache, from a prior connection through another provider organization. “They are very supportive of IAADP and always gift their graduates with their first year membership.” According to the biographical statement published on their website, John Drache has placed more than 350 dogs during his career and wrote Apprentice Manuals on Assistance Dog Training for the U.S Department of Labor. Dogs for Better Lives broke ground on a second training facility with 40 kennels, an elevator, and two-story 18,000 sq. ft. building addition to the campus so they can triple the number of assistance dog placements. To learn more, visit their website at this link: https://dogsforbetterlives.org/

New Membership Benefit

Mutt Muffs - 10% DiscountDear Members,Do you attend loud concerts, movies or over-miked lectures? IAADP member

Lenny McHugh highly recommends Mutt Muffs to protect his dog’s hearing. These ear muffs fit snugly on the dog’s head, but do not block the dog’s ability to hear commands.These muffs come in several sizes and colors. IAADP members receive a 10%

discount. Be sure to mention “On The Job” to receive the discount. The phone number is 443-536-6287. Please take a moment to express appreciation to Mutt Muffs Company for caring about our guide, hearing and service dogs.Further details from this company including dog training tips are available

online at: http://www.safeandsoundpets.com/index.htmlToni Ann, President and Co-Founder of IAADP

Farewell LatrellBy Toni Ann Eames   

Dearest Latrell,You have been the light of my life since you were matched with Ed in June,

2003. We wrote several articles about you describing you as “A Smile On Four Legs.” You were a party boy, inviting everyone and everything into your realm. You had no problem fitting into our family of cats, my guide dog Escort and Ed’s retired guide Echo.Changing guide dog partners is always a difficult and traumatic process, and

is never without its issues. Your house manners were great, your relief schedule was superb, and you made friends with everyone! There were a few guide glitches needing to be worked out, but all young inexperienced dogs have their issues. In your first week of team training, you remained at a quiet-down-stay through several lengthy meetings, attended a play and a concert, rode the city buses three times, laid quietly under the table when we were guests at an outdoor barbecue, guided Ed through the airport, including security check and boarded a plane and walked, shopped and visited with friends!You were a star during team training, and to celebrate, we hosted a large

graduation party. It was the first of many parties you hosted. Members of the Fresno puppy raising club attended with their canine charges

and several of our friends joined the festivities. About 50 people and 20 dogs enjoyed your hospitality.As a graduation gift, we joined some of your friends at a dog park where you

and your canine housemates let off energy. Each of you did his own thing. Echo wandered around sniffing the grass and bushes. Escort chased the tennis ball thrown by Ed. And you appointed yourself as park greeter, introducing yourself to every dog entering the double gates.One of the great things about Guide Dogs For the Blind is the ability to

communicate with the puppy raisers. The Creech family with three children were all involved with your socialization, and they were thrilled to hear from us. Bonding with this warm loving family was as easy as falling in love with you! The Creeches were so excited about meeting Ed and me, and seeing grown-up you, they drove seven hours from Bellingham, Washington to meet us in Pullman, where we spoke at the veterinary school. Concocting a plan to really surprise the family, we put you in their adjoining hotel room when the desk clerk alerted us they had registered. With our ears to the door, we delighted in their excitement when they unlocked the door and were greeted by an exuberant and excited you! After the excitement died down, we introduced ourselves, and your world was complete with the joining of your first family and your current one! It was obvious to all, your loving, calm, willing and accepting personality was like a shining star!You were with us when my beloved guide, Escort, died, and you were so

pleased with his successor, Keebler. You guided Ed through so many adventures, including a trip to Japan. Always the clown, Ed let you turn upside down when folks wanted to greet you. We joked you must have been a chiropractor in your last life, because rolling around in harness could not have been comfortable.To my great sorrow, you became familiar with hospitals through Ed’s heart

surgery and final stroke. You graciously learned to heel on my right side, in order to allow Keebler to guide me. Of course, you were the darling of the hospital staff. Keebler had a sad look, while you were always smiling.When we visited Ed in hospice, you were a perfect gentleman. You took a

final sniff after Ed’s death, and you wanted to leave the room in a hurry.Of course, you were a major part of my life, and I insisted you stay with me

for the rest of your life. It was a great decision, as you brought me comfort through the many years.The new kittens, Meadow and Yancha, gave you moments of pleasure. When they

chased your fluffy tail, you never protested. In fact, you saved Meadow from harm one day. I was feeding a mother cat and her kittens in order to catch them and bring them to the Valley Animal Center. Little blind Meadow got out the front door and was too frightened by the unfamiliar hissing to come to my

call. I took you out for a relief break and asked you to find Meadow. In your kind, sweet manner, you led me right to her. She was so relieved to be brought back to safety.When I had back surgery and rehab in Fresno, you stayed at home with my new

friend, James. He brought you and Keebler to visit me every day, and, again, you made lots of new friends. When James became my roommate, you shared your devotion with a new family member.You and Keebler were great friends, and you were there when she died at home

in March, 2013. Always the willing helper, you stepped in and became my temporary guide until Golden Adora entered my life. Adora was young and encouraged you to wrestle and play. Grooming, something you adored, was amusing. I would just finish with an ear, when another ear was placed in my hand. “Groom me” you would each implore!In August, 2013, another major change in our lives occurred when I bought a

house, and many new animals entered the family. James’ four cats and pet cockapoo brought our family to nine critters, but, to you, the more the merrier!It was extremely painful for me when you began to decline. My guide dog Ivy

was blind, and Meadow was born without functioning eyes, but your double issue as a blind dog with severe hearing loss was devastating to me. It took you weeks to orient, but you never complained when you bumped your head. You were so trusting and took short walks with Selena. Adding to your physical issues, was weakness in your rear legs. When James was hospitalized for nine weeks, long-time friend Beth and new friend Charity lovingly help care for you and your animal housemates. I could not let you lose in the yard, because I could not find you. In the house, I would walk around until I located you, but you also presented a serious tripping hazard for me. I tried to walk slowly throughout the house, because your sleeping body could be anywhere. I felt awful when I would accidentally kick you, but, in your typical manner, you were always forgiving. It must have distressed you, when your legs gave out once or twice over the months, and you fell into your poop.There were many times I thought about euthanizing you, but with hospice care

from Lynn and lots of medications, you bounced back, eating like a hungry Golden Retriever. It tortured me to choose a date for your death. I had to balance what I needed, like not falling over you and worrying when I was out of the house for hours with James in the hospital. I love you so much, and didn’t want you to suffer unnecessary pain, but how was I to choose the date of the euthanasia? You were eating, wagging and occasionally rolling in the grass, but it was due to the heavy load of medications we were giving you. Part of me wanted you to be the oldest Golden Retriever in history, but I knew that wasn’t fair to you. I guess what determined my decision to say a final farewell on April 24, just short of your fifteen-year and nine month birthday, was your inability to stand to be groomed. Grooming brought us both such pleasure, but you didn’t have the strength to deal with it.When Dr. Conlan and Lynn came to the house, you were lying on the floor in

the living room. Debbie, Charity and James were here, too. The cats and Aphrodite stayed away, but your dear friend Adora pressed herself close to you. When Dr. Conlan gave you the first shot to anesthetize you, Adora draped her body over yours and placed her head on your heart. Charity got a fantastic photo of this touching canine move.Latrell, you left this world with many humans missing you. You were always

my best and most loved doggie boy. Your memory will live on in many hearts.

Dr. Conlan commented you experienced and saw more than many humans. Your life was special and you lived every moment of it with joy and love.

USA National Helpline Number

541-972-3647International Helpline Number

248-693-9911

Adele and Everything After Coming Soon on DVD & Pay Per View

In this moving documentary, Adele and Everything After, the story about a woman with an untreatable heart condition unfolds revealing the challenges of transition in her journey when the cardiac-alert assistance dog who transformed her life is ready to retire.

“A touching and heartfelt documentary about the deepest connection that a person can have with an animal, and the lessons learned by letting go when she needs to find a new partner.”

– Bill Guentzler, Artistic Director,Cleveland International Film Festival

Hope You Will Support IAADP!Donate by Shopping Through Either

http://www.IGIVE.com/IAADPor http://smile.amazon.com

IAADP WEBSITE:www.iaadp.org

SOCIAL MEDIA:www.facebook.com/IAADP

New Online Calendar of Events & ObservancesYou can now visit IAADPs online calendar at http://calendar.iaadp.org and

discover events of interest around the ADP community including many fun and insightful celebrations, conferences, observances, training workshops and more. This webpage opens to the current month and offers visitors two formats – monthly calendar layout (4 to 5 rows of boxes for the seven days of the week) or agenda layout (events listed vertically from earliest to latest). Screenshots of the two layouts are featured below plus examples of categories and keyword tags such as “Observance,” and “dog show.” Clicking on an event name in the online calendar monthly layout brings up further details. In agenda view, event details can be expanded or collapsed for more or less detail. No login or password is required to use this feature. We have also included a text based list for upcoming events in May-July 2018 in this issue. If you have an event to share with the assistance dog partner community, please send the details and links by email to editor@iaadp.org

Choosing a HarnessHow do I choose a harness for my dog?

Ed Crane offered his experience with his dog, Alepo, stating that “…balance and mobility harnesses are intended for light duty assistance and stability support, versus, heavy weight bearing or continuous force.” It is the primary job of the human partner to monitor the amount of pressure that is applied to the handle. As many of you are aware the gear that your dog needs is dependent on the

service they provide you, the temperament of the dog and the comfort you have in using the gear you chose. These equally important deciding factors govern whether your dog wears a vest/harness identifying them as a service animal, a solid saddle harness with a sturdy handle or something in between. The time that you spend researching or reviewing the options that are available for you to use with your working dog is time well spent. There are resources available for you to gather the information and make an educated choice. Guidance from established experts is beyond its weight in gold. Kea J. Grace CPDT-KA, CTDI is a freelance writer, author of several

published articles on the topic including “Types of Service Dog Gear: Vests, Jackets and Harnesses” where she lists several manufacturers of harnesses providing synopses. Bold Lead Designs mentioned in her article offers a 24 page booklet highlighting features, accessories, a measurement guide, and other useful information. Kea Grace also wrote “Brace and Mobility Support Dogs: A Complete Guide” with specific content regarding health screening, training, qualifications and developmental readiness. Practical knowledge gained from real life experience is especially helpful when it comes to choosing gear that will meet the needs of both the partner and their assistance dog to support their quality of life, adding confidence to the investment decision.

Links:Article by Kea Grace “Types of Service Dog Gear: Vests, Jackets and

Harnesses” on Anything Pawsable last viewed online at: https://www.anythingpawsable.com/types-of-service-dog-gear-vests-jackets-and-harnesses/

Article by Kea Grace “Brace and Mobility Support Dogs: A Complete Guide” on Anything Pawsable last viewed online at: https://www.anythingpawsable.com/brace-mobility-support-dogs-complete-guide/

Bold Lead Designs Booklet (PDF format) last viewed online at: https://boldleaddesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-BAH-MSH-Booklet-of-complete-information-.pdf. The phone number listed for Bold Lead Designs is 303-856-3012.

Calendar of EventsGo to the link http://calendar.iaadp.org and find out what is happening

around the world in the ADP community and many fun and insightful celebrations, conferences and observances. The calendar will open, displaying the current month, though you can look at future and past months events. You can also switch to “agenda” view which will list the events vertically. Sort events by category or tags with a simple click. Event details can be expanded or collapsed. You can also search by keyword. If you have an event of interest to share with the assistance dog partner community, please email editor@iaadp.org with the details and links.

Notice and Disclaimer: These events are external to IAADP and are listed solely as a courtesy. Information is subject to change without notice. Event listings do not constitute endorsements. IAADP and its directors, volunteers, and supporters may not agree in whole or part with the viewpoints, philosophy, recommendations, or content, including any content linking directly or indirectly to or from content related to the event(s) by the parties. IAADP accepts no liability of any kind whatsoever. IAADP makes no guarantees including but not limited to the accuracy of information or fitness of purpose on this website or blog post, or any content linking to or from. Nothing in this publication, or any content linking to or from this publication, whether print or digital, is intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Nothing in this publication, or any content linking to or from this publication, whether print or digital, is intended to substitute for legal advice, medical advice or other professional advice. You are hereby notified and advised to seek advice from qualified professionals at your own risk and expense.

May1 National Purebred Dog Day1 New York Pet Expo1-6 Be Kind to Animals Week1-31 Go Fetch! Food Drive for Homeless Animals1-31 Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month1-31 Pet Cancer Awareness Month1-31 National Service Dog Eye Examination Month

In celebration of this observance, members of the American College of

Veterinary Ophthalmologists will administer the AVCO/StokesRx ophthalmology screenings to all awarded service/working animals

1-31 Responsible Animal Guardian Month3 National Specially Abled Pets Day4 May Day for Mutts6-12 National Hurricane Preparedness Week6-14 National Pet Week7-14 National Puppy Mill Action Week12 National Disaster Preparedness Day12 Pinot & Pups Auction ~ Portland, OR ~ Fundraiser to benefit Guide

Dogs for the Blind12-13 Animal Energy World Conference ~ England ~ Registration online14-17 Animal Care Expo17-20 Fetch360 Conference ~ Virginia Beach, VA 25 National Heat Awareness Day

June1-30 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Annual Photo

ContestWould you like to have a little fun and earn $250-$500 for your

favorite charity too? Email us your favorite photo(s) of your Assistance Dog(s) working and/or demonstrating your special human/animal bond. We accept photo submissions in June and winners are announced in July. We know these animals mean so much to you…please share and ‘show us’ your relationship with a photo! First place will win a $500 donation, second and third places will

each win $250 donations, to be presented in your name to an IRS-approved charity of your choice. Photos can be emailed to our office the month of June in either a

.jpg or .tif format. Our top pics will then be posted for our Facebook social media audience to vote in July, the photo with the most ‘likes’ by a set date will win. This competition is open to all handlers of animals who qualify

for the program. Please provide the following in your email: Service Animal’s name, your name/contact information, type of service animal work performed and fun ‘caption’ or description of the photo. If you have a story to share, please do. The email also needs to include your permission for us to use it relating to this campaign in the future. Please help us spread the word about this wonderful program! Here is our email so you can send us your photo(s):

servicedog@ACVO.org1-30 National Pet Preparedness Month

The American Kennel Club and American Humane have ongoing campaigns and helpful information regarding being prepared in case of a disaster. (See page 7 of this newsletter for details).

1-30 Social PETworking Month A social media campaign to encourage adoption of animals from your

local shelter. Get suggestions and ideas for promoting adoption via social media with your networks at these two online website links at: https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/june-is-social-petworking-month/  or https://positivelywoof.com/pet-calendar-social-petworking-month/

3 National Animal Rights Day (USA)

3-9 Pet Appreciation Week10 World Pet Memorial Day14-16 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum

WSCC (Seattle, Washington State Convention Center).  Email forum@acvim.org or contact by phone 800-245-9081 or 303-231-9933.  Online registration at: https://www.cvent.com/events/2018-acvim-forum/registration-47357e7e9d7a48d0ba0808b8d0a2646d.aspx?fqp=true

18-22 Assistance Dog Training for Professionals Workshop(Tuition $1,500 Sunday-Saturday, Lodging not included) at Service

Dogs, Inc. Training Facility (Dripping Springs, Texas, USA).  Online registration at: https://www.servicedogs.org/adt4pregister/  Phone 512-858-1495.

19 National Pets in Film Day22 Take Your Dog to Work Day23-24 Conference: The Institute of Modern Dog Trainers UK Conference for

Dog Trainers and Behaviorists.Online registration: https://www.imdt.uk.com/customer-register.html  Phone: 01992 442443Location: De Veres Theobalds Estate, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN7

5HW.  For a special discount on lodging reservations, contact Theobalds Estate by phone at 01992 633375 or 0844 980 2319 and mention “Block Code THEI220618_002”

24-30 Lightning Safety Awareness Week27 National PTSD Awareness Day28-July 1 Conference: Pacific Veterinary Conference (San Francisco,

California, USA). Register online: http://members.cvma.net/4DCGI/events/Register.html?Action=Register&ConfID_W=524 or email a completed PDF file (downloadable from https://pacvet.net/san-francisco/attendees/registration/) to info@pacvet.net or send by fax to: 916-646-9156.  Questions and accommodations may be requested by contacting conference and events staff in the office by phone at 800-655-2862.  Postal mail can be sent to: 1400 River Park Drive, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95815

July1–31 National Lost Pet Prevention Month (USA)11 All American Pet Photo Day (USA)13-17 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention.

Colorado Convention Center (Denver, CO, USA).  Online Registration: https://www.wynjade.com/avma18/ Questions?  Call Mon-Fri, 8a-5:30p Central Time Zone.  Domestic US

& Canada: 888-295-4523.  International 972-349-581315 National Pet Fire Safety Day (USA)21 National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day23–25 Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans National

Service Dog ConferenceDoubleTree Tysons Corner in Washington D.C., USA).  Early bird

discount before June 12.  Online registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-service-dog-conference-association-of-service-dog-providers-for-military-veterans-tickets-42968778774?aff-es2 or

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DogsLoveVets/events/  Questions or accommodations, please email info@servicedogs4vets.org

31 National Mutt Day (USA)

IAADP Board of Directors Updates Provider Membership StandardsWho is eligible for a Provider Membership? Training programs and professional dog trainers who provide task trained

assistance dogs to disabled persons or assist disabled individuals to train their own dogs to meet or exceed our Minimum Training Standards.

Does becoming an IAADP Provider Member mean IAADP certifies or endorses a specific agency or trainer? No. IAADP is an advocacy based organization and as such does NOT directly

train or certify any team or agency.

Why do agencies and trainers become Provider Members? Becoming a Provider Member is an agency or trainer’s way of aligning

themselves with IAADP, and the high standards we promote for assistance dogs and the responsible use of access rights. Upon acceptance, you may then display our logo on your website to indicate your commitment to excellence in your training program.

How much is the membership fee? Provider Membership dues are $50 per year, renewable each year. Multiyear

memberships are not available at this time.

What is the process for becoming a Provider Member? Please contact Dana at mc.iaadp@gmail.com to receive additional details

regarding the application process. Including social media and/or website links, including testimonials, regarding your agency/business is beneficial. A notarized Letter of Agreement with IAADP Training Standards is now part of the membership process. It generally takes 6-8 weeks to process your application, upon approval, once membership dues are paid. The application and approval process are all done through email and no payments are accepted until the eligibility requirements have been verified and we receive your Letter of Agreement with IAADP Training Standards signed in the presence of a notary. Please DO NOT send us a paper application with payment. Unfortunately, all

mailed applications with checks will be returned to the sender. Questions? Please contact Dana at mc.iaadp@gmail.com and she will be happy to help in any way possible.

Research Study Survey onService Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Email excerpt(s) Dec 2017My name is Vinh Nguyen, and I am the project director of the Southwest ADA

Center. We are one of ten federal-funded centers across the United States that provides training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA and its regulations protect the right of people with disabilities to use service animals in public while other federal laws protect the use emotional support animals in addition to service animals in other settings. There has been a lot of questions and confusion about these rights by the

American public so we developed a publication, Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals as an information resource. Link: http://adata.org/publication/service-animals-bookletThe purpose of this study is to understand how people with disabilities are

using animals to assist them and to explore barriers to access that people are encountering with their animals in public. We plan to produce a set of recommendations on improving access based on the findings.Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Vinh Nguyen, Project DirectorSouthwest ADA Center at ILRUTIRR Memorial Hermann1333 Moursund St., Houston, Texas 77030713-797-7121vinhn@bcm.eduhttp://www.southwestada.org

Coming up in the next issue Updates on U.S. legislation (ADA Education and Reform Act / HR620) Airline Travel Rules IAADPs Public Advocacy and 25th Anniversary Planning

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICEAccess Problem?Contact: ADA Helpline at

800-514-0301TTY: 800-514-0363

Email: complaint@usdoj.gov Who Do I Ask? Where Do I Send It?Toni Ann Eames, IAADP President toni@iaadp.org

Laura Rose, Chair and Editorlaurarose@iaadp.org

Jill Exposito, Vice President and Treasurer (USA)jill@iaadp.org

Devon Wilkins, Vice President (Canada)devon@iaadp.org

Edward Crane, Secretaryedward@iaadp.org

Cindi Fleishans, Board Membercindi@iaadp.org

Megan Kennedy, Board Membermegan@iaadp.org

Dana Spears, Membership Coordinator Database, VCPmc.IAADP@gmail.com Member Benefits

Membership Questions(888) 544-2237 (USA/North America) (248) 693-0011 (International)

Newsletter Editoreditor@iaadp.org

Information & Advocacy Centerinfo@iaadp.org

National Helpline International Helpline(541) 972-3647 (248) 693-9911

You can contact us by mail at IAADP, P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights, MI 48311

Membership InformationMembership Dues: Partner Member $40; Renewal $40; or join/renew, 3 years for the price of 2 years! $80; Partners outside United States $20 per year or $40 for 3 years; Friend $40; Provider $50.Send check with signed application from website at http://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-membership-application.html to IAADP, P.O. Box 638, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48311. You may also obtain a membership application with S.A.S.E. Credit Cards accepted online! Specify newsletter format - Print, Cassette, Data CD or Email. Renewal notices may or may not reach you. Please renew 45 days in advance of the Expiration Date on Partner Membership Card to maintain your eligibility for benefits. Change of dog? You must notify us to update your dog’s name in our database file!

International Association of Assistance Dog Partnersc/o IAADPP.O. Box 638Sterling Heights, MI 48311

Editor: Laura Rose

Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved